While Apple has been offering emergency SOS support since the iPhone 14, it has not extended the capability to the Apple Watch, even though the wearable remains at the top for its health features. Garmin has cashed in on the opportunity window and is changing the game by bringing in a smartwatch experience that is independent and especially useful for users who like to spend some time off the grid. The company has been able to pull off something that the Cupertino giant has been rumored to be working on but has not yet introduced, and that is satellite connectivity integrated into a smartwatch.
Garmin beats Apple to market with the Fenix 8 Pro series, which brings satellite connectivity and the brightest display on a smartwatch
Garmin makes history by announcing the Fenix 8 Pro series as the first smartwatch to feature the company's inReach satellite technology and cellular LTE, and extend the capability to send and receive text messages via satellite. Users can also check in with location updates and even send out SOS alerts in remote areas where connectivity is often compromised. In areas where the LTE network is available, users can use other functionalities such as weather forecasts, short voice messaging, and even real-time tracking from their wearable.
While Garmin has not made any major leaps in hardware, the fact that it introduced such an important capability before Apple puts it in a better competitive position in the smartwatch category. The watch is said to feature an AMOLED or a MicroLED display with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, which makes it the brightest display yet on a wearable. Since the device comes with dive-rated durability and leakproof metal buttons, it is built tough and can withstand harsh conditions.
The battery life of the smartwatch can go up to 27 days for the AMOLED version and 10 days for the MicroLED model. The watch is, however, priced on the higher end, making it a premium wearable with the AMOLED model starting at $1,199.99 and the MicroLED version at $1,999.99. Those who want the satellite and LTE capabilities have to subscribe for $7.99 per month, although users can test the experience with a 30-day free trial period. The Fenix 8 Pro is officially launching on September 8, 2025.
Garmin's bold move could redefine the smartwatch category with its full-blown satellite messaging and calling experience. The Fenix 8 Pro has set the bar high, pushing Apple and Samsung to go beyond health features for their next-generation wearables.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
