Garmin watches could finally get a key feature Apple's had for years – here's why it matters

• Two new leaks claim future Garmin watches will be getting LTE connectivity
• This feature allows you to add smartwatches to a data plan, allowing you to make calls and stream without a phone
• It's a feature included on Apple and Samsung watches, usually on more expensive models

Two new leaks claim we could soon be able to make calls, stream music and answer texts from some of the best Garmin watches yet to be announced – even without an attached phone.

Yes, LTE connectivity is coming to Garmin watches, according to separate reports from leak sites Garmin Rumors and The5Krunner. Garmin Rumors partnered with a site called AppSensa, which digs into code to discover in-development features. Garmin is reportedly going "all-in" into cellular connectivity, according to the site.

Listed features include emergency satellite SOS messaging, two-way messaging, LiveTrack location sharing without a phone, and voice calling with contacts.

Garmin Messenger, the watch-to-watch satellite messaging service, is also reportedly being expanded. Perhaps Garmin Messenger will now be Garmin's principle messaging client, able to text using your data plan and reaching phones as well as other Garmin watches?

The5KRunner also reports these claims, stating that the obvious starting point is a rumored Fenix 8 Pro, in which the "Pro" stands for the inclusion of LTE connectivity. The best Apple Watches and best Samsung watches often come in cheaper Bluetooth-only and more expensive LTE-capable variations, so it would make sense for Garmin to follow this pattern.

A big step forward

Garmins have long been considered separate entities to smartwatches, as they're more like adventure companions or training tools than everyday communications devices. However, certain ranges such as the Garmin Venu series already blur the lines a little.

Making the watches capable of no-phone communications would mean a huge change in strategy, and would enable more smartwatch-like models, such as the Garmin Venu X1 to seriously compete with the likes and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

If true, I'm intrigued to see which future models get this rumored LTE option. The Garmin Venu 4 seems like a no-brainer. One commenter on our Garmin Venu 4 rumors hub agreed, stating: "If the Garmin Venu 4 ever came with LTE and text message response that would definitely be a gamechanger. So many current iPhone users would jump on the Venu 4 – it would be a dream watch."

Perhaps we'll see Forerunner Pros with LTE options in future too, as phoneless LiveTrack seems like a great safety tool for triathletes and trail runners doing solo training.

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