A few months have now passed since Garmin seemed to indicate that LTE refreshes of multiple popular smartwatches were on the cards. As we discussed at the end of April, Garmin added what appeared to be references to Phone capabilities regarding the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Tactix 8 within its Garmin Connect app. Ultimately, this reference was quickly removed and Garmin has not revealed anything publicly since.
Instead, it was spotted erroneously suggesting that the recent Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 could make and receive phone calls. Nonetheless, subsequent rumours surfaced with the assertion that Garmin would only deliver LTE connectivity to the Fenix 8 series as part of a Fenix 8 Pro release. Now, the5krunner claims to have received contents of what it describes as a ‘massive leak’ regarding Garmin’s future LTE and Satellite plans.
Citing regular source @JohnW, the5krunner has decided to paywall almost all of the alleged leak so far. Currently, the website has not outlined when it will release its supposed ‘massive leak’. Nonetheless, we can glean some elements from that which it has published so far.
For instance, the5krunner reports that Garmin’s plans will likely included ‘new devices’ rather than a single device. Thus, new LTE-connected wearables will presumably stretch beyond the Fenix 8 Pro that was previously rumoured. Moreover, it seems that these upcoming releases relate to Garmin’s inReach series, which uses the Iridium satellite network for global two-way messaging, among other uses.
As it stands, Garmin limits the series to devices like the inReach Mini 2 or inReach Messenger (curr. $249.99 on Amazon) and the more conventional phone-shaped GPSMAP 86 or Montana 760. Apparently, Garmin’s plans include consolidating inReach functionality into a wrist-worn device of some kind. As a result, we could be looking at another Fenix offshoot, much like the Quatix 8 that landed in June.
Alex Alderson – Senior Tech Writer – 12969 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.