Suunto Prepares to Challenge Garmin with Race 2 and Vertical 2 Smartwatches Ahead of Rumored August Launch

Suunto, the renowned sports and outdoor watchmaker, is gearing up to release two highly anticipated smartwatch models, the Suunto Race 2 and Suunto Vertical 2. These devices appear to be in advanced stages of development and are poised to compete directly with Garmin’s premium smartwatch lineup. With fresh design tweaks, upgraded internal components, and potential performance enhancements, Suunto is clearly signaling its intent to push deeper into the high-performance smartwatch market.

Summary Table

Background: Suunto’s Ongoing Rivalry with Garmin

Suunto has long been a competitor in the sports smartwatch industry, often facing off against Garmin for the attention of athletes, adventurers, and fitness enthusiasts. The Suunto Race and Suunto Vertical were already well-received for their durability, precision tracking, and navigation features. However, with Garmin continuously refining its offerings, Suunto appears to be raising the stakes by overhauling both models for their second generation.

Recently, Suunto hinted at the launch of at least one new smartwatch later this month. Now, reports from the Japanese Radio Authority confirm that two new models have been certified believed to be the Race 2 and Vertical 2 accompanied by early product images.

First Look: Early Images Reveal Key Design Changes

The certification body has surprisingly released extensive photos of both upcoming watches, offering an unusually detailed look before the official unveiling. From these images, several noticeable updates can be seen:

• Expanded Color Options: The new models appear to come in a wider range of band colors, catering to both style-conscious buyers and outdoor athletes.

• Revised Sensor Layout: The Race 2 and Vertical 2 have noticeably different sensor arrangements compared to their predecessors, suggesting the use of a new PPG sensor. This could translate to improved heart rate tracking and health monitoring accuracy.

• Updated Charging Pin Placement: The charging pins have been repositioned, potentially allowing for faster wired charging.

These changes indicate that Suunto is not just offering cosmetic updates, but is also rethinking functional aspects of its design.

Potential Hardware and Performance Upgrades

Beyond physical design adjustments, there are strong indications that Suunto is making significant under-the-hood upgrades. Leaked information suggests the watches could use the Ambiq Apollo510 chipset, known for offering better performance and energy efficiency. This could lead to:

• Longer Battery Life for extended outdoor adventures.

• Smoother User Interface for daily operation.

• Enhanced GPS Accuracy when paired with upgraded sensors.

The repositioning of charging contacts also hints at faster charging speeds, reducing downtime for users who rely on their smartwatch for tracking workouts and navigation.

Expected Pricing and Availability

A Norwegian retailer has listed the Suunto Race 2 ahead of launch, revealing a potential pricing increase of over 30% compared to the Suunto Race S. This would place certain Race 2 SKUs near the $599 mark. While not confirmed for the Vertical 2, similar price adjustments could be expected if both models receive comparable hardware and software enhancements.

The exact release date remains unconfirmed, but given the recent certifications and retail leaks, a launch before the end of August 2025 seems highly likely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the Suunto Race 2 and Vertical 2 be released?

A. While Suunto has not confirmed an exact date, regulatory filings and retailer leaks suggest an August 2025 launch.

2. What are the main improvements in the Race 2 and Vertical 2?

A. Both models are expected to feature a new PPG sensor for improved health tracking, updated charging designs, possible faster wired charging, expanded color options, and the Ambiq Apollo510 chipset.

3. How much will the new Suunto models cost?

A. The Suunto Race 2 could be priced around $599, a 30% increase over the previous Race S. Vertical 2 pricing is yet to be confirmed.

4. Will these watches compete with Garmin models?

A. Yes, both are aimed at the high-end sports smartwatch market, directly competing with Garmin’s advanced multisport and outdoor-focused devices.

5. Where can I find more information?

A. Visit the official Suunto website at https://www.suunto.com for the latest updates.

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