Garmin code reveals Fenix 8 Pro LTE & satellite subscription tiers
Garmin is getting ready to launch three subscription tiers to support LTE and satellite features directly from the wrist on the Fenix 8 Pro. Hidden code in the Connect app offers early clues about what each level will include.
Three inReach subscription tiers revealed in the code
We’ve looked through Garmin Connect version 5.16.1 and spotted three names: inReach Essential, Standard and Premium. While nothing has been officially announced, the names align closely with Garmin’s existing inReach satellite service. The difference is that these new plans will be tied directly to a watch.
Essential will likely offer basic emergency coverage. That means SOS alerts via satellite or LTE routed through Garmin’s international response centre. It may include limited one-way messaging or location updates to preset contacts, but it probably won’t support full conversations.
Standard could unlock more interactive features. Two-way messaging looks like the core here, combined with basic LiveTrack sharing and possibly the ability to configure which contacts get notified in emergencies. The code mentions messaging over LTE and satellite, so this tier may sit right in the middle.
Premium is where things get interesting. Strings in the app suggest this level enables voice calling over LTE, expanded messaging, and more advanced location sharing. If the features land as written, it would allow full off-grid communication from the wrist without ever needing a phone.
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As shown in the screenshot above, a fourth name appears alongside these three – Enabled. But this is likely not a tier but a status. It probably just indicates that a subscription is active on a particular device. The app also confirms that only one device can be linked to a subscription at a time, though you’ll be able to transfer between devices if needed.
LTE and satellite will soon be managed through Garmin Connect
The strings make it clear that Garmin Connect is being repositioned as the place to activate, manage and transfer subscriptions. Assistance Plus also gets an upgrade, and now requires LTE to function independently. Without it, alerts will only work when your phone is nearby and running in the background.
“Your device safety features can notify others if you need help. To use Assistance Plus, you must set up an LTE Subscription. Without LTE, you can only alert assistance contacts if you have your phone with you in an area with data coverage with the app running in the background.”
There’s mention of onboarding, subscription setup, emergency contact selection and trial messaging. The app even includes flows for transferring an LTE subscription to a new device. Garmin appears to be aiming for a seamless setup experience where all safety and communication tools are activated from the app and handled by the watch.
What’s missing is an official launch. But all signs suggest these plans are designed to debut with a new watch that supports both LTE and satellite connectivity. Based on timing and past hardware cycles, the Fenix 8 Pro is the most likely candidate. Or perhaps the Venu 4.
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