Garmin Fenix SATELLITE Technology is feasible – proven today by Google

A significant development in wearable technology has just been unveiled, demonstrating that direct-to-satellite communication from a smartwatch is possible. More than that. Google’s new Pixel Watch 4 is the world’s first smartwatch to integrate standalone satellite emergency messaging. This groundbreaking feature clearly signals the feasibility of such technology for other leading outdoor and sports watch brands.

There have been rumours that the Watch Ultra 3 will have this capability for a year, and several signals and leaks from Garmin that they are actively pursuing the same goal.

Let’s look at how Pixel handles this, and we can assume that something similar is possible from Garmin as early as this year.

Google Pixel gets satellite! It’s a great feature but on the wrong watch.

The Pixel Watch 4’s Satellite Breakthrough

Google’s 2025 Pixel lineup was announced today. On the face of it, it is visually similar to its predecessor, but the satellite communications are the obvious standout. This new capability allows the watch to send messages for help directly to satellites without requiring a phone or cellular towers. It is designed for off-grid situations when you need SOS assistance, but that’s how it started on the iPhone before quickly expanding its capability to include messaging. The Pixel and other watches will undoubtedly follow to add more Satellite services in the same way as the iPhone.

Key details of the Pixel Watch 4’s satellite feature:

• Purpose: Primarily for emergency SOS.
• Functionality: The watch automatically uses a satellite connection if no wiFi or cellular connection is available. It takes the wearer through a quick series of questions covering health or accidents, and includes GPS location with the message. Two-way communication with the emergency services is also supported.
• Technology & Partners: The Skylo Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service powers the feature and uses Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 Wearable Platforms. This platform is purpose-built for wearables (Wear OS), optimised for ultra-low power consumption, and enables direct access to Skylo’s satellite network.
• Availability: Only available in the USA on the LTE-enabled model of the Pixel Watch 4, and interestingly, does NOT require an active data plan. Further geographic rollouts to Europe, Canada, and Australia are planned.
• Battery Conservation: In emergency mode, the watch enters a super low-power mode, extending battery life to 72 hours (large size) or 48 hours on the smaller Pixel.
• Pricing: The satellite SOS feature is free for the first two years, similar to Apple’s approach with iPhone, with future pricing yet to be determined.

Massive Leak Reveals Garmin’s LTE and Satellite Plan, Likely with New Devices

Garmin Response – The Direct Garmin Connection

What makes this development particularly interesting is the Garmin connection.

Last year, Google signed a deal to use Garmin’s Response Centre as part of its satellite SOS phone service. This centre is Garmin’s inReach emergency services hub and manages emergency responses.

Only a few days ago, this site was the first to report a leak from Garmin that strongly indicated upcoming changes to LTE and Satellite plans. These could have been inReach related, but the jigsaw pieces are falling into place. Fenix 8 Pro will hopefully have LTE and satellite comms…as soon as September (my bet would be January 2026).

Implications for Garmin Fenix

The Pixel Watch 4’s technical success in integrating satellite SOS directly from the wrist without needing a phone or cellular service demonstrates such a feature’s technical and operational viability on a compact wearable. Pixel is smaller than Fenix, thus the long-held view that satellite aerials were too large for a watch is now clearly wrong – technology has moved on.

The question is no longer “if” satellite technology is feasible for devices like the Garmin Fenix, but rather “when” Garmin will directly integrate this now-proven, life-saving capability into its iconic outdoor smartwatches.

Implications for Wear OS

I’ve long said that Wear OS will eventually be one of the key platforms on the world’s wrists. This is another step in that direction. And interesting too, around 5 years ago, Wear OS was becalmed in a sea of indifference as the company struggled to get the tiniest number of new features released each year. In some ways, it’s caught up with Apple (not commercially), and this is one of several tech leaps that have put Google ahead in places.

Take Out

Satellite connectivity on the Fenix series is Garmin’s strategic priority. The main threat appeared to be Apple, leapfrogging technically and commercially with SOS features on both a Watch Ultra and iPhone – this could make the former a far more attractive package for the occasional adventurer than a Garmin Fenix. That lower-grade adventurer represents a large share of that particular market, perhaps the market that Garmin was most at risk of losing.

Maybe not now.

Sources

• Garmin Newsroom – Garmin partners with Google for Satellite SOS (2024)
• Snapdragon W5+ details.
• Google and Skylo Partnership announcement
• Pixel Watch 4 Press Release