A recent leak suggests that Garmin is still working on a new lineup of smartwatches with built-in LTE connectivity. These new devices, which will likely go beyond the previously rumored Fenix 8 Pro, are also expected to feature Garmin’s inReach satellite technology. This would be a significant development, as it would bring global two-way messaging to a wrist-worn device.
LTE Connectivity Expands Beyond the Fenix 8 Pro
For months, there have been hints about Garmin’s plans to add LTE connectivity to a number of its popular smartwatches. Back in April, references to “Phone capabilities” for devices like the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 were spotted in the Garmin Connect app, only to be quickly removed. Since then, rumors have pointed to the Fenix 8 series as the sole recipient of this new feature.
However, a new leak from the blog, The5krunner, suggests that Garmin’s plans are much more ambitious. According to a “massive leak” from a regular source, Garmin is preparing to release “new devices” with LTE connectivity, not just a single Fenix 8 Pro model. This means we could see LTE functionality integrated into a wider range of Garmin’s smartwatches in the future.
InReach Satellite Technology Could Be Coming to Your Wrist
The leak also indicates that Garmin plans to consolidate its inReach satellite connectivity into a wrist-worn device. Currently, Garmin’s inReach series, which uses the Iridium satellite network for global two-way messaging, is limited to devices like the inReach Mini 2 and the more phone-shaped GPSMAP 86 and Montana 760.
By bringing this technology to a smartwatch, Garmin would offer users a new level of communication and safety. We could be looking at a new offshoot of the Fenix series, similar to the Quatix 8 that was released in June, but with the added benefit of global two-way messaging. This would be a game-changer for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable communication in remote areas.
What’s Next for Garmin’s Smartwatches?
The full details of this “massive leak” are still under wraps, but the information that has been revealed so far paints an exciting picture for Garmin’s future. With the potential for LTE and inReach satellite technology in a single wrist-worn device, Garmin could be poised to release a truly revolutionary product. We’ll have to wait and see what else this leak reveals and how it will shape the next generation of Garmin smartwatches.
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