Introducing fēnix 8 Pro: The first-ever smartwatches from Garmin with inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity

Rhea-AI Summary

Garmin (NYSE:GRMN) has unveiled its groundbreaking fēnix 8 Pro series smartwatches, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology. The series introduces two revolutionary features: the first-ever integration of inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, and a pioneering MicroLED display model featuring over 400,000 LEDs with up to 4,500 nits brightness.

The watches enable users to make voice calls, send messages, and trigger SOS alerts without a phone nearby. The fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED starts at $1,199.99 (available in 47mm and 51mm sizes), while the fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED is priced at $1,999.99 (51mm). Both models will be available for purchase on September 8, 2025.

Positive

• First-ever smartwatch with integrated inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity
• Revolutionary MicroLED display with 4,500 nits brightness - the brightest smartwatch ever made
• Premium features including ECG capability, advanced fitness metrics, and SOS functionality
• Extended battery life up to 27 days in smartwatch mode for AMOLED version

Negative

• High price point starting at $1,199.99, with MicroLED version at $1,999.99
• Requires active subscription for connectivity features
• Limited battery life of 10 days for MicroLED version compared to AMOLED model

Insights

Consumer Technology Analyst

Garmin's new fēnix 8 Pro introduces groundbreaking satellite connectivity and first-ever MicroLED display, positioning it strongly against premium competitors.

Garmin's new fēnix 8 Pro series represents a significant technological leap in the premium smartwatch category with two industry-first innovations that could strengthen the company's market position against Apple and Samsung.

The integration of inReach satellite technology directly into a smartwatch is a game-changing differentiator that expands Garmin's addressable market. This technology enables text messaging, location sharing, and SOS capabilities without cellular coverage—creating strong appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, remote workers, and adventure travelers. The recurring revenue potential from satellite connectivity subscriptions could enhance Garmin's service revenue streams beyond the initial hardware sale.

The introduction of MicroLED display technology in the premium model is equally significant. With 4,500 nits of brightness from over 400,000 individual LEDs, this display technology addresses a long-standing limitation of smartwatches in outdoor settings. While the $1,999.99 price point positions it at the upper echelon of consumer wearables, it provides Garmin with margins to absorb the higher component costs of this cutting-edge display technology.

The tiered pricing strategy ($1,199.99 for AMOLED models and $1,999.99 for MicroLED) allows Garmin to capture both premium and ultra-premium market segments. The exceptional battery life (up to 27 days for AMOLED and 10 days for MicroLED) continues Garmin's tradition of outperforming competitors in this crucial metric.

Strategically, this release maintains Garmin's position as a specialized alternative to mainstream smartwatches, with capabilities specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes—market segments with higher willingness to pay for purpose-built features.

Groundbreaking MicroLED model is the brightest smartwatch ever made

OLATHE, Kan., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) is advancing the future of smartwatch technology with the introduction of fēnix^® 8 Pro series. These premium GPS smartwatches are the first to feature inReach^® technology for satellite and cellular connectivity¹—letting athletes and adventurers leave their phone behind and still stay in touch. Further revolutionizing the smartwatch industry, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED introduces a first-of-its-kind, high-resolution MicroLED display for superior readability.

"fēnix 8 Pro is changing the game for smartwatches. This new lineup is full of breakthrough innovations, bringing life-changing inReach technology to the wrist to help keep athletes and adventurers in touch with their family and friends and introducing the first-ever ultra-bright MicroLED display to a smartwatch so users can see their maps, stats, health and wellness metrics and more like never before."
—Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Leave the phone behind and still stay connected

Designed for those pursuits that make it impractical to carry a phone, fēnix 8 Pro has built-in inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity¹.

Satellite connectivity

fēnix 8 Pro uses inReach technology to let explorers exchange messages and send location check-ins.

• Text messages: Send and receive text messages with those using the Garmin Messenger^™ app on their smartphone or compatible Garmin smartwatch.
• Location check-ins: Send location updates to family and friends so they can keep track of trip progress.

Cellular connectivity

In addition to sending text messages or providing location check-ins, fēnix 8 Pro can be used to make phone calls, send voice messages, share LiveTrack links and view weather forecasts when connected to the LTE network.

• Voice calls: Make and take voice calls from the watch with other fēnix 8 Pro users or those using the Garmin Messenger app on their smartphone.
• Voice messages: Check in with family and friends by exchanging 30-second voice messages. Recipients can listen to the messages or read the transcriptions on their watch or in the Garmin Messenger app.
• LiveTrack: Friends and family can follow the adventures with LiveTrack location sharing and location check-ins on their smartphone. Users can also alert their friends and family when a LiveTrack session has started, in case they want to follow along or reach out during an activity.
• Weather forecasts: Access current weather conditions and multiday forecasts to stay prepared for what's ahead.

SOS capability supported by Garmin Response

When an SOS is triggered, fēnix 8 Pro will send a message over satellite or cellular connectivity to the Garmin Response^℠ center, where a dedicated team of skilled emergency response coordinators are ready at any time. From there, Garmin Response will communicate with the user, their listed emergency contacts, search and rescue organizations and other available local resources. They provide updates to users and emergency contacts on the response effort, including confirmation when help is on the way, and remain available as the incident is being resolved. With nearly two decades of experience, the Garmin Response team has supported more than 17,000 inReach incident responses in more than 150 countries on all seven continents.

First-of-its-kind MicroLED display

Offering remarkable brightness in exquisite detail, fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED features over 400,000 individual LEDs delivering up to 4,500 nits, making it the brightest smartwatch ever. The result is a revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability—even in direct sunlight.

Rugged design, premium features

Made for any adventure, all fēnix 8 Pro models are dive-rated and feature leakproof metal buttons, a metal sensor guard cover, AMOLED or MicroLED touchscreen displays and titanium bezels, plus an LED flashlight for greater visibility in dark environments.

Built for wherever the adventure leads, fēnix 8 Pro is loaded with Garmin's full suite of performance, navigation, health and wellness², and connected features, including endurance score, hill score, daily suggested workouts, preloaded TopoActive Maps, dynamic round-trip routing, the Garmin ECG App³, sleep coach, Garmin Pay^™, safety and tracking features and more. To learn more, visit www.garmin.com.

fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, gets up to 27 days of battery life in smartwatch mode⁴ and starts at $1,199.99. fēnix 8 Pro – MicroLED comes in a 51mm size, gets up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and is $1,999.99. Both models are available to purchase on September 8, 2025.

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 subscription required; LTE network coverage and satellite connectivity are not available in all countries. Check Garmin.com/fenix8ProCoverage to see which services are accessible in your area — or in countries to where you may be traveling; 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.
² Activity tracking accuracy.
³ The ECG app is only available on select Garmin smartwatches with the latest version of the Garmin Connect smartphone app and watch software. The ECG app is not available in all regions; see Garmin.com/ECG for availability. The ECG app is only intended for adults aged 22 years and over. The ECG app is capable of recording an ECG similar to a Lead I ECG and detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation or normal sinus rhythm.
⁴ Battery life estimate is for the 51mm fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED

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, fēnix and inReach are registered trademarks, Garmin Messenger and Garmin Pay 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 June 28, 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 Natalie Miller
913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com

 

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.

FAQ

What are the key features of Garmin's new fēnix 8 Pro smartwatch series?

The fēnix 8 Pro series features inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, allowing voice calls and messaging without a phone. The MicroLED version offers 4,500 nits brightness display, and both versions include ECG capability, fitness tracking, and SOS functionality.

How much does the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro cost and when will it be available?

The fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED starts at $1,199.99, while the MicroLED version costs $1,999.99. Both models will be available for purchase on September 8, 2025.

What is the battery life of the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro series?

The fēnix 8 Pro – AMOLED offers up to 27 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, while the MicroLED version provides up to 10 days of battery life.

Does the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro require a subscription for connectivity features?

Yes, an active subscription is required for LTE network coverage and satellite connectivity features. Availability varies by country and region.

What safety features does the Garmin fēnix 8 Pro include?

The watch includes SOS capability supported by Garmin Response, allowing users to trigger emergency alerts via satellite or cellular connectivity. It also features location sharing, LiveTrack, and weather forecasts.