Regulatory filings confirm key hardware upgrades and hint at an imminent launch
It looks like Suunto’s next-generation sports watches are ready for their debut, with the entire regulatory filings of the Race 2 and Vertical 2 surfacing.
The documents, which include extensive images of both devices, all but confirm weeks of rumors, teasers, and accidental retailer listings, pointing to an imminent announcement from the brand.
They also give us our first clear look at the key hardware upgrades. And at least from what we can see in the filings, the most significant addition appears to be a redesigned optical heart rate sensor.
Both watches feature the new module on the rear, a strong indication that Suunto is focusing on improving accuracy for its core audience.
Internally, the documents also reveal a significant processing upgrade, with both watches set to use the new ‘Ambiq Apollo 510’ chip.
This more powerful and efficient processor should enable a snappier user interface and more advanced software features.
A rearranged charging pin setup also hints at potential improvements to charging speed.
Again, this leak is the final piece of a puzzle that has been forming for weeks.
The story began with an alleged teaser via Suunto that appeared on Chinese social media channels, hinting at a new device launch timed around the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) event in late August.
This was followed by the watch names briefly appearing in the Suunto app and a Norwegian retailer listing the Race 2 with a mid-August launch window.
These new filings effectively confirm what those earlier hints suggested, but, as ever, we’ll wait on official word from Suunto before closing this case.
The Wareable take
The hardware upgrades revealed here—a new sensor and a new chip—are precisely what Suunto needs to stay competitive against the likes of Garmin and Coros.
When we reviewed the original Suunto Race in 2023, we raved about certain aspects—the AMOLED display, epic battery life, and dual-frequency accuracy.
However, software niggles, alongside mixed accuracy in sleep and heart rate monitoring, kept it from truly challenging the top running watches and sports watches on the market.
Will that be resolved with its upcoming Race 2 (and Vertical 2)?
Again, we’ll have to wait for the official launch, which looks to be just days or weeks away, to see if these promising upgrades translate into a tangibly better experience during everyday wear.
