Garmin is preparing to launch the Fenix 8 Pro with MicroLED display and support for both LTE and satellite messaging. Images and details have surfaced on the company’s website just ahead of the official reveal, which is expected tomorrow.
According to a Reddit post, a Garmin rep has reportedly confirmed that the only new features this time around are LTE and satellite connectivity. Pricing for the inReach subscription service in Europe will start at 9.99€ per month.
LTE and satellite built in
This marks the first time a Fenix device will support standalone messaging directly from the watch. With LTE and inReach built in, users will be able to trigger SOS alerts or send check-in messages even when off the grid. One image shows an emergency message screen where the user asks for help, suggesting this functionality can be used without a connected phone.
The monthly subscription will give access to Garmin’s satellite infrastructure, offering peace of mind for users who spend time in remote or rugged areas. It mirrors the approach seen on devices like the Garmin Messenger and inReach Mini, now brought to the wrist.
A brighter display with MicroLED
Another detail revealed in the leak is a new variant known as the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED. This model is being marketed as the brightest smartwatch Garmin has ever made. That’s the first Garmin with this type of display. It should offer better visibility in sunlight and deeper contrast, compared to the existing MIP and AMOLED displays. What will be interesting to see is what sort of price-tag that brings.
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The overall look remains in line with previous Fenix models, though the new screen could be a differentiator for those who want premium visibility without sacrificing battery life. Garmin appears to be positioning this version as the flagship within the Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED lineup.
Nothing else is expected to change
For now, it looks like these additions are the only changes. There is no indication of new sensors, software tools, or changes in case size. That said, adding both LTE and satellite support is a significant shift for Garmin’s watch ecosystem. It may open the door to future features such as real-time sharing of location or workouts without needing a phone nearby. And MicroLED is another significant shift.
The official launch should clarify how many models will support the new connectivity. It is still unclear whether the LTE and satellite features will be limited to specific builds like the MicroLED version or offered more broadly across the range.
This article first appeared on Gadgets & Wearables.
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