Garmin’s InReach system for LTE and satellite access shouldn’t be limited to a $1,200 watch, yet a significant challenge exists in integrating it into lower-priced watches.
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the Fenix 8 framework, introducing cellular and satellite messaging for an additional $100 (plus a monthly subscription). This aligns with the pricing of competing brands. Now, I hope Garmin will extend this Pro feature to a broader array of watches, but I’m unsure if it can succeed.
I recognize Garmin’s decision to kick off with the Fenix 8 Pro. Dedicated followers can be the first to access InReach cellular calls, satellite messaging, and emergency SOS, all while retaining the premium Fenix benefits they’re accustomed to. Plus, the impressive battery life of the Fenix 8 ensures it can manage the increased battery drain from LTE usage.
The primary issue is that the Fenix 8 Pro is priced at $1,200 or higher. Garmin fans anticipate high price tags, but this exceeds the budget many are willing to allocate. Although the Fenix 8 is outstanding, not everyone desires a bulky, titanium version when lighter alternatives like the Forerunner, longer-lasting Enduro, or elegant Venu are available.
I would like to see Garmin introduce “Pro” editions of its most sought-after models. Currently, it offers various “Music” versions that provide Wi-Fi and music storage (but no additional features) for $50. A $100 “Pro” upgrade with LTE and satellite could follow this same model, enhancing safety features across the range.
My concern, however, is that LTE and satellite capabilities might remain another appealing Garmin feature limited to the highest-end models and largest watches.
Why I desire more ‘Garmin X Pro’ watches
The Garmin Fenix 8 Pro provides cellular and satellite capabilities for an additional $100 compared to the standard Fenix 8. With LTE, users can call and text contacts via the Garmin Messenger app or share their real-time GPS location using LiveTrack, allowing loved ones to know your last-known position during emergencies.
For satellite messaging, you must locate a clear spot to link with a Skylo satellite for no less than 30 seconds, after which the Pro will deliver your text messages (or SOS) and receive any pending messages.
Garmin’s approach has its flaws, as friends and family must download Garmin Messenger to receive your messages; otherwise, they’ll come from an unfamiliar Garmin number. Yet, given that half of its users are iPhone owners, Garmin would have required a workaround regardless. It is certainly preferable to the alternative of having no option at all!
The key point is that any Garmin watch will, by default, last for several days (if not weeks) longer than an Apple, Galaxy, or Pixel Watch with LTE features. None of these alternatives offers a LiveTrack equivalent, and only the Pixel Watch 4 includes satellite SOS via the same Skylo network (without casual satellite messaging).
Enthusiastic outdoors enthusiasts who often hike in remote areas would much prefer to depend on a watch that can last for weeks rather than hours in critical situations. You require GPS durability and reassurance more than you need apps or Gemini/Siri functionalities while on the trail.
The forthcoming Venu 4 appears ideally positioned to contend with mainstream watches due to its chic design, appealing to women who wish to run late or trek in secluded locations but have safety concerns. Why not launch a Venu 4 Pro?
Furthermore, an Enduro 3 Pro or Instinct 3 Pro equipped with solar charging would enable you to recover the battery consumed for every LTE call or satellite message. Additionally, anyone who purchased the Forerunner 945 LTE for cellular safety features would likely desire a modern Forerunner Pro that offers more advanced functionalities.
Why we may not see many Garmin LTE watches
Garmin faces a clear logistical obstacle: it markets numerous watches, so which models warrant a cellular enhancement? It will likely begin with higher-end options like the Tactix 8 for military personnel or Quatix 8 for mariners, for whom connectivity is crucial. However, I hope to see more affordable models like the Forerunners, Instincts, and Venu follow suit.
Here’s the challenge: observe how physically large the Fenix 8 Pro is. Both the 47mm and 51mm Pro versions are about 2mm thicker than their Fenix 8 counterparts. Measuring 16mm and 16.5mm, they are bulkier than almost every fitness watch available.
Garmin informed DC Rainmaker that “due to hardware limitations with integrating the LTE antenna,” it was not feasible to create a 43mm Fenix 8 Pro model. Engineering difficulties meant that making the cellular and satellite antennas sufficiently compact was “not possible.” They affirmed that they were not “avoiding” the development of smaller, LTE-enabled watches as a long-term strategy, however.
The 1.3-inch, 13.8mm Fenix 8 43mm isn’t what I’d describe as a
