Garmin unveils first smartwatch with satellite connectivity

Published 03/09/2025, 12:10
Garmin unveils first smartwatch with satellite connectivity

OLATHE, Kan. - Garmin (NYSE:GRMN), the $45 billion market cap company that has delivered an impressive 14.5% return year-to-date, announced Wednesday the launch of its fēnix 8 Pro series, introducing the first smartwatches to feature built-in inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity.

The premium GPS smartwatches allow users to send text messages, share location updates, and make voice calls without carrying a smartphone. The watches also include SOS capability supported by Garmin Response, a 24/7 emergency coordination center. According to InvestingPro data, Garmin maintains strong financial health with impressive gross profit margins of nearly 59% and robust revenue growth of 19.7% over the last twelve months.

The fēnix 8 Pro - MicroLED model features what the company describes as the "brightest smartwatch ever made" with a display delivering up to 4,500 nits of brightness through over 400,000 individual LEDs.

"This new lineup is full of breakthrough innovations, bringing life-changing inReach technology to the wrist," said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, in the press release.

Both models are dive-rated and include features such as leakproof metal buttons, titanium bezels, and LED flashlights. The watches also offer Garmin’s suite of performance, navigation, health and wellness features including endurance score, hill score, and preloaded TopoActive Maps.

The fēnix 8 Pro - AMOLED comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes with up to 27 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and starts at $1,199.99. The MicroLED version comes in a 51mm size with up to 10 days of battery life and is priced at $1,999.99.

Both models will be available for purchase on September 8, 2025, according to the company statement. While Garmin’s stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be overvalued at current levels. Investors can access detailed valuation metrics and 12 additional ProTips about Garmin through InvestingPro’s comprehensive research reports, available for over 1,400 US stocks.

In other recent news, Garmin reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, showcasing a notable performance with earnings per share (EPS) of $2.17, which surpassed the anticipated $1.86 by 16.67%. The company also achieved a revenue of $1.815 billion, exceeding the expected $1.7 billion. Despite these strong financial results, Garmin’s stock experienced a decline in pre-market trading. Additionally, Garmin introduced its new GPSMAP H1i Plus, a premium GPS handheld device. This product features advanced satellite communication capabilities, allowing users to share photos and exchange voice memos and text messages beyond cellular coverage. The GPSMAP H1i Plus, priced at $999.99, includes Garmin’s inReach Plus technology, facilitating communication in remote areas. Users with an active inReach plan can also trigger interactive SOS messages, connecting to Garmin’s 24/7 international emergency assistance center. These developments highlight Garmin’s ongoing efforts to enhance its product offerings and maintain robust financial performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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