Built for the backcountry: Garmin introduces inReach Mini 3 Plus satellite communicator with voice, text and photo sharing

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) on Dec 2, 2025 introduced the inReach Mini 3 Plus, a compact satellite communicator with a color touchscreen, built-in speaker/microphone, and up to 330 hours battery life in 10-minute tracking mode. The device supports 30-second voice messages and transcriptions, 1,600-character texts, photo sharing, LiveTrack location sharing and an interactive SOS to Garmin Response. Garmin noted its Response team has handled more than 18,000 inReach incident responses across 150+ countries. The inReach Mini 3 Plus is available now with an SRP of $499.99.

Positive

• SRP $499.99 establishes clear price point
• 330 hours battery in 10-minute tracking enables multi-day use
• Voice, text, photo sharing extends connectivity beyond SMS
• 18,000+ inReach incident responses across 150+ countries

Negative

• Requires an active satellite plan to operate
• Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit satellite communication devices

Insights

Product Strategy Analyst

Garmin's inReach Mini 3 Plus adds voice, photo and text sharing to a compact satellite communicator, broadening consumer appeal.

The device combines a color touchscreen, built-in speaker and microphone to enable 30-second voice messages, message transcription, 1,600-character texting, photo sharing and LiveTrack location sharing. It supports interactive SOS to the Garmin Response center and advertises up to 330 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode. The product lists at $499.99 and is available now.

Key dependencies and risks include user adoption of the required active satellite plan and regulatory limits on satellite device use in some jurisdictions. Performance in extreme conditions, battery endurance on long expeditions and the integration with Garmin Messenger and Explore apps will determine real-world value. Watch adoption signals and subscription uptake over the next 6–12 months, and monitor customer feedback on voice/photo reliability during SOS events.

Compact and rugged communicator helps explorers stay connected with loved ones while adventuring beyond cellphone coverage

OLATHE, Kan., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is expanding its popular lineup of compact satellite communicators with the introduction of inReach^® Mini 3 Plus. Featuring a color touchscreen display and built-in speaker and microphone, inReach Mini 3 Plus lets adventurers exchange voice messages, texts and photos¹—making it easier to stay in touch with family and friends who are back home. Purpose-built to provide extra peace of mind while exploring beyond cell coverage, users can also trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin Response^℠ center should an emergency occur. And with up to 330 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode, inReach Mini 3 Plus can be used on multi-day trips without the need for any extra plug-ins or battery chargers.

"We understand just how important it is to stay connected during both short and long adventures, and that's why we are excited to bring even more communication tools to the inReach Mini 3 Plus. Tell friends and family that they're missed, show them the amazing view while standing at the summit and more—all from this compact and rugged device that can be clipped to a pack."
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

More ways to stay in touch

• Voice messaging: Check in with family and friends by exchanging 30-second voice messages right from the device.
• Voice message transcription: While in an area where listening isn't possible or it's necessary to maintain silence in the field, read transcriptions of voice messages directly on the device.
• Touchscreen texting: Quickly exchange text messages (up to 1,600 characters), emojis and reactions or start a group chat right from the device.
• Photo sharing: View photos from back home right on the colorful display and share photos from every epic adventure when using the Garmin Messenger^™ app.
• LiveTrack^™ location sharing: Let friends and family follow along on the adventure and track progress, including distance, time and elevation¹.

Emergency support when it's needed the most

When an SOS message is triggered, inReach Mini 3 Plus will send an interactive message to the Garmin Response center, where a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators are ready at any time. Photo and voice messages can also be shared during an SOS, giving coordinators the ability to see and hear details of the emergency firsthand. Response coordinators will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organizations and other available local resources and provide updates. With nearly two decades of experience, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 18,000 inReach incident responses – from land to sea to air – in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

Built for any adventure, inReach Mini 3 Plus is made to operate in extreme temperatures and features an impact-resistant design and IP67 water rating. When paired with the Garmin Explore^™ app, adventurers can plan a trip, follow a course to a destination and even follow a track back to the start.

inReach Mini 3 Plus is available now and has a suggested retail price of $499.99. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garminoutdoor on social, or follow our blog.  

1	Active satellite plan required. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit the use of satellite communication devices. It is the responsibility of the user to know and follow all applicable laws in the jurisdictions where the device is intended to be used.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and inReach are registered trademarks, Garmin Messenger, LiveTrack and Garmin Explore are trademarks and Garmin Response is a service mark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983), and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2025 filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 001-41118). Copies of such Form 10-K and Form 10-Q are available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/investors/sec/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stephanie Kelner and Connor Hoffman
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

When did Garmin (GRMN) launch the inReach Mini 3 Plus and what is the price?

Garmin launched the inReach Mini 3 Plus on Dec 2, 2025 with a suggested retail price of $499.99.

How long does the inReach Mini 3 Plus battery last for GRMN users?

The device offers up to 330 hours of battery life in 10-minute tracking mode for multi-day trips.

What communication features does Garmin's inReach Mini 3 Plus (GRMN) support?

It supports 30-second voice messages and transcriptions, 1,600-character texts, emojis, photo sharing and LiveTrack location sharing.

What emergency support does Garmin (GRMN) provide with inReach Mini 3 Plus?

An interactive SOS connects users to the Garmin Response center, which has handled 18,000+ inReach incident responses in 150+ countries.

Does the inReach Mini 3 Plus require a subscription for GRMN customers?

Yes. The device requires an active satellite plan, and availability/use may be restricted in some jurisdictions.