inReach Subscription Plans Renewed to Match Usage and Needs! "Temporary Suspension" Available for Up to 12 Months, SOS Requests Supported During Suspension

Garmin Japan Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Garmin), a professional in data utilization originating from the United States, has renewed its subscription plans for inReach communication technology, which supports emergency SOS requests via satellite and LTE communication. Users can now temporarily suspend their service for up to 12 months according to their usage patterns. During this suspension period, SOS requests will still be supported with a monthly fee of 0 yen, providing peace of mind in emergencies.

Image of SOS request on the "fēnix 8 Pro" series

Garmin's inReach technology subscription service offers two-way communication via satellite and LTE. With the recent revision of the subscription plans, users can now temporarily suspend the service for up to 12 months. The monthly fee during the suspension period is free, and if reactivated within 12 months of suspension, no contract fee will be incurred.

Furthermore, SOS requests are now available even during the temporary suspension period. This allows users who have seasonal usage patterns, such as for mountaineering or winter sports, to temporarily suspend their plan during periods of non-use while still ensuring safety with SOS in case of emergencies.

*Users who have been in temporary suspension since before June 2026 will not automatically have free access to SOS requests and will need to reselect a new temporary suspension plan.

inReach technology is also incorporated into the latest flagship watch models, the "fēnix 8 Pro" series, released last fall. The "fēnix 8 Pro" enables two-way communication directly from the watch using the low-power LTE-M network.

The SOS request function allows users to send an SOS signal via satellite or LTE by simply pressing the SOS button on the device, even if their smartphone is unusable in an emergency. The SOS signal is quickly transmitted to the Garmin Response Center, which provides rescue organizations with information about the location and current situation of the person in distress to facilitate rescue efforts. If rescue is deemed necessary, the center will maintain communication with the SOS sender, emergency contacts, and rescue organizations until the rescue team arrives, continuing support until the rescue is completed.

Service fees start from 1,180 yen per month. For the "fēnix 8 Pro" series, the contract fee is waived for the initial contract. These watches, suitable for everyday use, also provide support in emergencies.

inReach Subscription Renewal Details

Temporary suspension valid for up to 12 months

Monthly fee during suspension is 0 yen, after which it automatically transitions to the ENABLED plan (1,180 yen/month)

SOS transmission function is available even during the 12-month temporary suspension period. *Other functions are not available.

About inReach functions on watches

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About SOS function during inReach subscription temporary suspension

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inReach Compatible Products (All prices include tax)

LTE Communication Use

fēnix 8 Pro (2 models)

206,800 yen

fēnix 8 Pro MicroLED

318,800 yen

Satellite Communication Use

inReach Mini 2 / 3 Plus

52,800 yen / 79,800 yen

GPSMAP H1i Plus

151,800 yen

fēnix 8 Pro AMOLED, fēnix 8 Pro MicroLED

inReach Mini 3 Plus, GPSMAP H1i Plus

SOS Requests Possible Without a Smartphone

SOS can be transmitted even when a smartphone is unusable in an emergency. SOS signals are quickly delivered to the Garmin Response Center, providing rescue organizations with information about the SOS sender's location and current situation. Additionally, the incident detection function automatically notifies registered emergency contacts.

【Garmin Response Center】

The Garmin Response Center, which handles SOS requests from around the world 24/7/365, has responded to rescue requests from inReach devices in over 150 countries and all seven continents since 2011.

Reference | 2025 SOS Usage Status

Watches that accompany daily life also provide peace of mind and connectivity during adventures inReach Compatible "fēnix 8 Pro" Series

With the integration of inReach technology, a first for Garmin watches,

Communication is realized independently of a smartphone

LTE communication via inReach technology enables SOS requests, as well as calls, message sending, and location sharing directly from the watch. It utilizes LTE-M (Category M1) for low-power, wide-area coverage. Connection is possible within communication areas such as outdoors, mountainous regions, and at sea. *Message sending/receiving and calls are available through the Garmin Messenger app.

*Satellite communication is not supported.

Voice Calls & Messages In conjunction with the Garmin Messenger app, voice calls, text messages, and voice messages (30 seconds) can be sent and received directly from the watch.

LiveTrack & Messenger Check-in Real-time location sharing with friends and family enables safety confirmation. LiveTrack updates location information every 60 seconds. It supports automatic and regular transmission of location information and track logging during long activities such as trail running, mountaineering, and cycling. In case of an emergency, it helps pinpoint and share your current location, which is useful when acting alone or separated from companions.

Weather Information Reception

Weather data can be acquired via LTE. This allows for awareness of unexpected weather changes in mountainous regions or at sea, enabling prompt action and decision-making.

From left: SOS transmission, receiving a call, sending/receiving messages, message history, Messenger check-in

【Various Functions Useful in Emergencies】

High Specifications with Excellent Battery Performance

Despite advanced GPS positioning and communication capabilities, Garmin's renowned battery performance is maintained. The "fēnix 8 Pro" offers exceptional battery life, approximately 27 days in smartwatch mode and approximately 78 hours in GPS mode.

*Varies depending on environment and watch settings.

GNSS Multi-Band for Precise Positioning in Various Environments

GNSS Multi-Band technology allows reception of two frequency bands (L1 and L5 signals). It provides high-accuracy and fast positioning information even in harsh environments. (Operating time varies depending on reception environment and settings)

Built-in MAP with High Operability and Worldwide Navigation Features

- Includes detailed topographic maps of Japan and over 43,000 golf courses and 2,000 ski maps worldwide. Additionally, overseas continental maps (TopoActive) can be downloaded for free. *Detailed Road Map of Japan (15,400 yen including tax) and Japan Mountain Topographic Map TOPO (18,700 yen including tax) are available for paid download.

- Features the "TrackBack" function, which navigates you back along the same route you came to your starting point when you get lost.

Built-in LED Flashlight

Can be used in various ways, including adjusting light intensity, changing to red light, SOS signal pattern flashing, and positioning light.

Communication Function for Garmin Users

Garmin devices allow users to share activity routes, important location information, workouts, etc., in real-time without needing to pair with a smartphone. It also includes the "Garmin Messenger APP" for two-way messaging with friends and family via the watch, enabling enjoyable connectivity and safety assurance. *The "Garmin Messenger APP" requires a connection to a smartphone.

From left: Mountain map, sleep score, sports apps, voice command, Garmin Share

Product details can be viewed at the following URL:

fēnix 8 Pro

fēnix 8 Pro MicroLED

【About Garmin】

Garmin is a GPS device manufacturer founded in the United States. It was established in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao. The company name, Garmin, is derived from parts of the founders' names, Gary and Min. Since its founding, Garmin has consistently aimed to create navigation and communication devices that enrich lifestyles. It has developed innovative products in a wide range of fields, including wireless technology, automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, and outdoor activities, and has manufactured and sold hundreds of millions of GPS receivers to date. The company has maintained profitability since its inception and is included in the S&P 500 stock index.

https://www.garmin.co.jp/

*Proper nouns such as brand names and company names mentioned in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

*Prices, release dates, and specifications listed in this release are subject to change without notice.

<Inquiries regarding this product/service from readers>

Garmin Japan Co., Ltd.

https://www.garmin.co.jp/

1-7-6 Fujimino Higashi, Fujimi City, Saitama Prefecture, 354-0036

TEL: 049-267-9114 FAX: 049-267-9124 E-mail: jp_Info@garmin.com