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While Apple has been offering emergency SOS support since the iPhone 14, it hasn’t extended this capability to its Apple Watch, despite its top-tier health features. Garmin has seized this opportunity and is revolutionizing smartwatches by introducing independent functionality for users who spend time off the grid. The company has integrated satellite connectivity into a smartwatch, something that Apple has been rumored to be working on but hasn’t yet introduced.
Garmin beats Apple to market with the Fenix 8 Pro series
Garmin made history by announcing the Fenix 8 Pro series, which is the first smartwatch to feature Garmin’s inReach satellite technology and cellular LTE. Users can now send and receive text messages via satellite, check in with location updates, and even send SOS alerts in remote areas. When connected to a cellular network, users enjoy additional features like weather forecasts, short voice messaging, and real-time tracking.
Although Garmin hasn’t made significant hardware advancements, introducing this crucial capability before Apple gives it a competitive edge in the smartwatch market. The watch boasts an AMOLED or MicroLED display with peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it the brightest on any wearable. It is designed to be durable and leakproof, featuring dive-rated metal buttons that can withstand harsh conditions.
The Fenix 8 Pro’s battery life can last up to 27 days for the AMOLED version and 10 days for the MicroLED model. However, it comes at a premium price, with the AMOLED model starting at $1,199.99 and the MicroLED version at $1,999.99. Users will need to pay $7.99 per month for satellite and LTE capabilities, but they can test it with a 30-day free trial. The Fenix 8 Pro is set to launch on September 8, 2025.
Garmin’s bold move could redefine the smartwatch category with its full satellite messaging and calling experience. The Fenix 8 Pro has set a high bar, pushing Apple and Samsung to improve beyond health features for their next-generation wearables.
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