Garmin looks to be taking its outdoor safety and connectivity features to the next level.
Hidden code inside the latest Garmin Connect app (v5.16.1) hints at three new subscription tiers—all designed to bring LTE and satellite communication directly to your wrist on the upcoming Fenix 8 Pro.
If you’ve ever wished your Garmin watch could function as an actual standalone safety device—capable of sending SOS alerts, messaging, and possibly even making calls—this leak suggests that day is getting closer.
The Three inReach Tiers: Essential, Standard, and Premium
The app strings reveal three subscription names: InReach Essential, InReach Standard, and InReach Premium.
While Garmin hasn’t confirmed the details yet, the structure mirrors the company’s existing inReach satellite plans. Still, it appears to be purpose-built for a watch.
- Essential Tier: Likely the most affordable, focused on basic emergency coverage. Expect SOS alerts routed through Garmin’s International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). Limited one-way messaging or preset location check-ins could be included. Think of it as a “peace of mind” plan—minimal but reliable.
- Standard Tier: This appears to unlock two-way messaging, live location sharing, and greater control over who gets notified in an emergency. With both LTE and satellite mentioned in the code, this tier could be the sweet spot for adventurers who want a balance of safety and communication without overpaying.
- Premium Tier: The most exciting of the bunch. Hints in the code suggest voice calling over LTE, expanded messaging capabilities, and more advanced real-time tracking. For athletes, backcountry explorers, or anyone spending long stretches off the grid, this could make the watch feel more like a mini satellite phone strapped to your wrist.
A fourth label, “Enabled,” also appears in the code. But that’s likely not a tier—it just means an active subscription is running on the device.
Why This Matters for Everyday Users
If Garmin rolls out these features, the Fenix 8 Pro (or possibly the next Venu) won’t just be a multisport GPS watch—it’ll be a lifeline.
Today, features like Assistance Plus require your phone to be nearby and connected.
According to the updated code, which changes with LTE:
“Your device safety features can notify others if you need help. To use Assistance Plus, you must set up an LTE Subscription.”
This shift means you could head out on a trail run, bike ride, or remote trek without your phone and still be covered in an emergency.
That’s huge for peace of mind—not just for elite athletes, but also for everyday users who want the security of knowing help is just a button press away.
How Garmin Might Roll It Out
The strings also display onboarding flows, subscription setup, and transfer options for upgrading devices.
This suggests that Garmin Connect will become the central hub for activating, managing, and switching between LTE/satellite plans—similar to how Apple handles cellular plans on Apple Watch.
In practice, this could look like:
- A simple trial or one-month test period
- Easy subscription activation within Garmin Connect
- The ability to swap coverage to a new Garmin watch without calling support
It’s a much more consumer-friendly approach than what’s been available through standalone inReach devices.
What’s Next?
While nothing is official yet, it’s hard not to see this as Garmin’s push to close the gap with Apple Watch’s LTE features—while adding a layer of satellite reliability that Apple still can’t fully match.
If the Fenix 8 Pro indeed launches with LTE and satellite tiers, it could redefine what a multisport watch is capable of.
Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon, exploring the backcountry, or simply want extra safety on solo workouts, Garmin may soon offer a plan that suits your lifestyle.
The only question left: How much will these tiers cost, and how will they compare to existing inReach subscriptions? That answer will likely arrive when the Fenix 8 Pro officially launches—possibly later this year.
✅Takeaway: Garmin isn’t just adding new features for the sake of tech—it’s building a safety net for real people. Whether you’re an adventurer, an athlete, or a casual user, these subscription tiers can give you the freedom to leave your phone behind while staying connected when it matters most.
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