Garmin Unveils High-End Sports Watch Ahead of Apple's Update

Garmin has unveiled the Fenix 8 Pro, a high-end smartwatch with satellite and cellular connectivity, emergency response tools, and a brighter MicroLED display. The watch starts at $1,200 and will be available on Sept. 8, just days before Apple is expected to unveil an upgraded Apple Watch Ultra 3. The Fenix line targets outdoor athletes with features such as solar charging, extended battery life, and health tracking tools.

Garmin has introduced the Fenix 8 Pro, a premium GPS smartwatch that sets new standards in outdoor athleticism and adventure. The Fenix 8 Pro features inReach technology for satellite and cellular connectivity, emergency response tools, and a revolutionary MicroLED display. The watch is priced starting at $1,200 and will be available on September 8, just days before Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

The Fenix 8 Pro series is the first to incorporate inReach technology, allowing users to stay connected even in remote areas. This feature enables users to send messages, make calls, and trigger SOS alerts without a phone. The watch also includes Garmin’s LiveTrack feature, which allows friends and family to track progress and check on the user during activities. This connectivity is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts who venture off the grid.

One of the standout features of the Fenix 8 Pro is its MicroLED display. This high-resolution screen offers superior readability and brightness, with 4,500 nits of brightness—making it the brightest display on any smartwatch available. The MicroLED display is particularly useful for those who spend time outdoors, providing clear visibility in all lighting conditions. However, it is worth noting that the MicroLED display may come at a cost in terms of battery life, with the Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED lasting 10 days in smartwatch mode or four days with the screen always-on, compared to the 27 days or 15 days always-on for the AMOLED Fenix 8 Pro 51mm [1].

The Fenix 8 Pro also offers LTE connectivity, which will be available through a monthly subscription. This feature allows users to send messages and make calls directly from the watch. The subscription details for LTE connectivity are not yet clear, but it is expected to mirror the pricing of Garmin’s inReach subscription service, which starts at $9.99 per month in Europe [2].

The Fenix 8 Pro is priced starting at $1,200 for the AMOLED model and $1,999 for the MicroLED model, making it one of the most expensive smartwatches available. The AMOLED model comes in 47mm and 51mm sizes, while the MicroLED model is only available in the larger 51mm size. The watch is available for pre-order on the Garmin website and is expected to be available in Australia within two to three weeks [1].

The introduction of the Fenix 8 Pro comes at a critical time, as Apple is expected to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on September 9. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is rumored to feature a brighter OLED display, satellite connectivity, and advanced health tracking features. However, the Fenix 8 Pro’s inReach technology and MicroLED display set it apart as a leader in outdoor smartwatch technology [3].

The Fenix 8 Pro is part of Garmin’s broader strategy to enhance its smartwatch offerings and cater to the growing market of outdoor athletes and adventurers. The watch’s advanced features, including satellite and cellular connectivity, emergency response tools, and a high-resolution display, position it as a premium product in the competitive smartwatch market.

References:
[1] https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/the-garmin-fenix-8-pro-has-the-brightest-screen-on-any-smartwatch-and-lte-connectivity-but-it-comes-at-a-huge-price
[2] https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2025/09/02/garmin-fenix-8-pro-microled/
[3] https://www.smartprix.com/bytes/apple-watch-ultra-3-last-minute-roundup-everything-we-know-so-far/