Updated: A September announcement is rumored and could reveal the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro with LTE and satellite messaging
Update, September 3, 2025: Garmin has officially unveiled the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED and Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED, both of which feature LTE support. Read all about the announcement—including the cellular features—in our Fenix 8 Pro series explainer. Our original rumors guide remains intact below, and we’ll be providing a full breakdown of Garmin’s LTE features in due course.
The rumor mill is abuzz with whispers of Garmin reintroducing cellular support to its lineup of sports watches, with a Fenix 8 LTE upgrade reportedly being prepared for September.
If realized, the return to cellular would mark a significant step for the brand. In theory, it could enhance live tracking, help empower new safety tools, and potentially bridge the gap to LTE smartwatches in terms of connected, on-the-go features.
However, as ever with Garmin, this alleged return to LTE is shaping up to be slightly quirky; the latest indications suggest it could mimic the more limited cellular features of the Forerunner 945 LTE, the last Garmin to feature standalone support.
To keep you up to date, this guide serves as a catch-up on the recent timeline and hub for all the latest rumors. We’ll also examine the likelihood that the functionality becomes tied to the Connect+ subscription tier, and which Garmin watches are likely to receive the update in the future.
Garmin & LTE: The timeline and recent leaks
Garmin’s journey with LTE has been a cautious one, marked by a single, focused release and a lengthy hiatus. If the rumors are to be believed, we’re as close as ever to a return.
However, it’s worth noting that we still have no corroborated information regarding a release date for the rumored upgraded models.
Here’s a look at the key moments and the latest leaks shaping the narrative:
– June 2021: Garmin launches the Forerunner 945 LTE
Garmin releases its first and, to date, only watch with cellular capabilities (aside from the Bounce smartwatch for kids). This device utilized LTE primarily for safety features like LiveTrack, emergency assistance, and spectator messaging, though is now long discontinued.
– April 2025: First credible leak emerges
Finally, signs of life. A significant leak reveals a purported screenshot of an LTE setup option within the Garmin Connect app. The image features the Fenix 8, suggesting a potential mid-cycle refresh. This reignites speculation about Garmin’s return to the cellular space.
– May 2025: More details leak, including ‘Garmin-only plan’
While admittedly from a sketchy source citing undisclosed ‘intel’, more details emerge regarding a Fenix 8 LTE. This latest piece of information suggests that LTE might be the sole upgrade in the mid-cycle Fenix 8 update, with other hardware and software features remaining largely unchanged.
It’s also suggested that Garmin will opt for its own LTE service, independent of traditional mobile carriers. The focus is expected to remain on safety features, including enhanced LiveTrack and emergency SOS.
It’s anticipated that, at least initially, it won’t support direct phone calls or data-heavy activities like music streaming without a phone nearby, especially on iOS due to Apple’s ecosystem restrictions.
– August 2025: Consolidation of connected features plans is rumored
After a lull, Fenix 8 LTE leaks began kicking off again in late August, with reports suggesting the brand will be evolving its Messenger app into a central hub for all communications to align with the expected launch.
A ‘Get Fully Connected’ plan is rumored to bundle LTE services (voice calls, LiveTrack) with inReach satellite functionality (SOS, messaging) under unified subscription tiers, potentially starting from around $7.99/month. The leak also suggests that Garmin’s plans include consolidating inReach functionality into a wrist-worn device.
– September: Reddit leaks points to imminent announcement
After an increased amount of rumors in recent weeks, including purported leaks from Garmin’s own site (shown above), a Reddit user citing a Garmin representative suggests an announcement is due on 3 September.
The post indicates that LTE and satellite messaging will be the only new features. However, other leaks (again, from Garmin itself) suggest that a MicroLED display will be available as an option.
Which Garmin watches could be in the LTE roadmap?
The frontrunner for Garmin’s LTE revival is undoubtedly the Fenix 8 series, likely in the form of a Fenix 8 Pro. The timing aligns with Garmin’s product cycles, and the leaks specifically mentioning the Fenix line lend weight to this theory.
Looking further ahead, it’s plausible that Garmin will gradually introduce LTE to other popular lines. The Venu series, with its focus on smartwatch features and a broader appeal, could see a Venu 4 with LTE in late 2025 or early 2026. Or an updated version of the Venu X1 (announced in June) could arrive at some point in the following year.
The next top-end Forerunner would also be a logical candidate. However, with the recent release of the Forerunner 970, an LTE iteration might be a couple of years away. This is also true for the Enduro, given that Garmin hasn’t previously released mid-generation updates of this line.
Could Garmin’s LTE features be tied to Connect+?
Considering the example set by the Forerunner 945 LTE’s monthly subscription service, and with the brand reportedly exploring a comparable approach for its new cellular support flavor, it initially seemed plausible that certain (if not all) features would be tied to the controversial Connect+ subscription revealed earlier this year. However, more recent leaks suggest Garmin may group cellular functionality for the Fenix 8 Pro features separately from Connect+.
Still, nothing is certain at this stage—and there are a few routes Garmin could take here. It could include all features ‘for free’ with the device, offer some features to non-subscribers while also providing a premium layer for Connect+/Messenger subscribers, or limit everything to those paying a specific and separate subscription. Again: at this stage, it’s unclear.
A much-needed killer feature for Connect+?
If Garmin strikes the right balance on this, it could prompt more users to seriously consider the Connect+ subscription. At the time of writing, and after living with Connect+ since launch, we wouldn’t necessarily say that a ‘killer feature’ or reason to pay exists right now; the AI summaries are probably the most compelling differentiating factor, and, while nice to have, are still very much in development.
While what’s rumored isn’t necessarily the all-in-one cellular solution many would have hoped for, some level of improved connectivity would represent a massive win for Garmin fans—and this does feel as close as we’ve got since that 2021 Forerunner release.
As we progress into the second half of the year, more details will undoubtedly emerge. We’ll be watching closely to see how Garmin navigates its potential return to the LTE world.
