End of life for 645?

Looks like it... Don't understand the logic of abandoning a product which is still officially settling either?

I don’t get it either.  Personally I think it’s their best running watch.  In fact, I think we’ll see the upgraded 645 as the new 255. It’s their most logical upgrade path.  At least, I think.

EOL not, but Garmin announced clearly, that "Products running the latest system will get API updates and bug fixes. Products not running the latest system may receive updates when necessary." ... and 645 is not running the latest system, it's a system 3 ... and currently we have system 4.

https://forums.garmin.com/developer/connect-iq/b/news-announcements/posts/welcome-to-connect-iq-system-4

But in my perspective, there is no follower available, all latest Forerunners do not really have progress in display quality and size, are too big / heavy ... so 645m is the best so far ... and advantage of system 4 compared to 3 is marginal

Really, Garmin just shouldn't have numbered them as they did. The 645 should've been a 635 Plus (or Pro or Pay). Alternatively, the others should have been released as x55. The 945 LTE has different internals and dimensions than the 945, but they kept the numbering, which suggests they learned their lesson.

It's disappointing that there's not a current middle ground between the 245 at $250 and the 745 at $500 (unless you count the Coros Apex). I would be interested in a 645 with longer battery life, snappier response, and the latest features, or a 245 with a barometer, NFC, metal bezel (option), and lactate threshold HR detection. I think @lmzrsk may be right that the 255 will be an upgraded 645, similar to how the 55 gained most of the features of the 245 (minus courses).

And, I’ve gotten used to using Power as a way of gauging work.  I’m in my late 60’s, so I run for exercise and socialize.  Speed is no longer a concern (some day you’ll understand).  So I use power to determine if I’m getting the right amount of exercise.  For run:walk, I pick 150-175 for the walk, and 2x that for my target run.  And, for me, it works great.  So, I’d really want power, and that’s what keeps me on the 646, along with lactate threshold.

Hi,

According to info from the Garmin developer site, the Forerunner 645 Music has API level 3.2.0, which means it's a system 4 watch.

The Forerunner 645 (without music) has API level 3.1.0, so that's a system 3 watch.

developer.garmin.com/.../

And what are 245, 745...?

So, the F55, 245, 245(M), 645(M) and 745 are all 3.2 (level 4).  That suggests that the 645M is completely software upgradeable (?).  Garmin has a big hole in the product line between the 245 and 745.  Refreshing the 645M with a downloadable upgrade would refresh the product and the line, plug the product line hole and cost them next to nothing (actually, in manufacturing... nothing. Make no changes).  And they could gat another year or 2 out of the product line with very little $$ input.  Wonder why they don't do it..

Interesting product decisions.

Thanks for the info.  I'll keep my 645M and not worry about upgrading to the 745.

I agree, but the answer to your question is simple I think. Garmin wants you to buy a new watch. They think they can earn more money from that, than trying to increase sales on an ‘old’ watch by adding a few new features to it. The 645M is still a great watch, without these extra features, so I will hang on to it. There is nothing in Garmin’s current lineup that makes me want to replace it.