Garmin Beats Apple to Market with Satellite-Connected Smartwatch

Less than a week ahead of when Apple plans to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra with satellite capabilities, Garmin introduced its own smartwatch with satellite connectivity.

garmin satellite smartwatch
The Fenix 8 Pro is Garmin's first smartwatch to feature its inReach satellite and cellular connectivity. InReach is the technology that Garmin uses for its handheld navigation devices. With inReach, the Fenix 8 Pro can send location check-ins and text messages over satellite using the Garmin Messenger app.

There is also included cellular connectivity, so the smartwatch can make phone calls, send 30-second voice messages, and provide LiveTrack links and weather forecasts when an LTE connection is available.

LiveTrack is a feature that allows the wearer's family and friends to keep track of their location during an activity or adventure.

For emergencies, there is an SOS feature that will send a message to the Garmin Response center over a satellite or cellular connection. Garmin Response will then communicate with the user, their emergency contacts, and search and rescue organizations to provide help. Garmin says that its Response team has supported over 17,000 inReach incident responses across over 150 countries.

Along with satellite connectivity, the Fenix 8 Pro has a high-resolution microLED display with 4,500 nits of brightness, making it the "brightest smartwatch ever," according to Garmin. Other features include dive-rated and leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, and an LED flash light. It can track health metrics and provide an endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, sleeping advice, ECG functionality, and more.

There are two Fenix 8 Pro sizes, including 47mm and 51mm, and two different display options. The AMOLED model is priced starting at $1,200 and it gets up to 27 days of battery in smartwatch mode. The microLED model, which is available only in a 51mm size, is priced at $2,000 and it gets up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. Garmin's new smartwatch models will be available for purchase on September 8, one day before Apple's September 9 event that will see the unveiling of the next-generation Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to include integrated satellite connectivity, allowing Apple Watch wearers to send text messages and get help when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection is unavailable.

Apple does not charge for satellite service at this time, while Garmin does. Garmin's inReach plans start at $7.99 per month, with additional fees for some of the satellite-based features based on which plan is selected.

Tag: Garmin

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Top Rated Comments

GMShadow Avatar
7 weeks ago
Putting aside the fact these really aren't AW competitors:


The AMOLED model is priced starting at $1,200

The microLED model, which is available only in a 51mm size, is priced at $2,000
They also aren't even mass market devices. These are luxury fitness trackers catering to the rich. That's fine, but it'd be like if the only Apple Watch was the Hermes model - it's not really a product for everyone.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mansu944 Avatar
7 weeks ago
$2,000????? Please don't give Apple any ideas.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
7 weeks ago

Putting aside the fact these really aren't AW competitors:




They also aren't even mass market devices. These are luxury fitness trackers catering to the rich. That's fine, but it'd be like if the only Apple Watch was the Hermes model - it's not really a product for everyone.
And on top of those prices: subscriptions
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
humerc Avatar
7 weeks ago
I switched to the Garmin Enduro 3 a few months ago (coming from the Ultra 2), mainly to due battery life, and man, that thing has around 30 days battery with a lot of workouts each week. I am deep into the Apple ecosystem, but this was the best (technical) descission in the last years I made…
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
7 weeks ago

Putting aside the fact these really aren't AW competitors:

They also aren't even mass market devices. These are luxury fitness trackers catering to the rich. That's fine, but it'd be like if the only Apple Watch was the Hermes model - it's not really a product for everyone.
They're not THAT expensive that only the rich have them. I see the Fenix fairly often, and I had one myself..returned it because it was too bulky for my taste, and went with the Forerunner.

Both were a replacement for the Apple Watch. I don't see myself going back.


And on top of those prices: subscriptions
I have an inReach. It's month-to-month, so pay when you need it and don't when you don't. I spend a hefty amount of time in the boonies and wilderness away from cell service and electricity, and only pay about three or four months per year. You don't need a phone or watch for it to work, and the battery last over 20 days with 30-min pings.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
johhno140 Avatar
7 weeks ago

Putting aside the fact these really aren't AW competitors:




They also aren't even mass market devices. These are luxury fitness trackers catering to the rich. That's fine, but it'd be like if the only Apple Watch was the Hermes model - it's not really a product for everyone.
I have the Fenix 6 Pro, you can pick one up for less than the cost of an Apple Watch, it’s great and for my requirements it’s far, far superior to the Apple Watch.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)