Garmin inReach Mini 3: What to Expect

Everything we know so far

Garmin inReach Mini 3: Everything We Know

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While Garmin has not officially announced a successor to its popular satellite communicator, the inReach Mini 2, speculation and user wish lists provide a glimpse into what the Garmin inReach Mini 3 could be. The Mini 2, released in February 2022, remains a top-tier device, but analysis of past product cycles and community discussions point toward a potential successor on the horizon.

Here is everything we know and anticipate about the Garmin inReach Mini 3.

Cut to the Chase

• What is it? The anticipated third-generation compact satellite communicator from Garmin, succeeding the inReach Mini 2.

• When is it out? No official date. A launch in Fall 2025 is possible based on Garmin's ~3.5-year hardware refresh cycle.

• How much will it cost? Likely to launch near the inReach Mini 2's original price of $400.

Release Date and Price

Garmin has not confirmed the existence of an inReach Mini 3. However, we can look to the company's history for clues. The original inReach Mini was released in May 2018, and the inReach Mini 2 followed in February 2022, a gap of just under four years. If Garmin maintains this cadence, a potential launch window for the Mini 3 could be in the autumn of 2025.

Garmin inReach Mini Release Cycle

This timeline is complicated by Garmin's introduction of the inReach Messenger devices, which may have altered its product roadmap. Some users on Garmin's forums have expressed concern that the company may focus more on Messenger-style products that are more dependent on a smartphone, though the Mini's appeal lies in its standalone capability.

Regarding price, the inReach Mini 2 launched with an MSRP of $400. It is reasonable to expect a potential Mini 3 to debut at a similar premium price point.

Tale of the Tape: inReach Mini 2 vs. Rumored Mini 3

Feature	✅ Garmin inReach Mini 2	🔮 Rumored inReach Mini 3
Launch Price	$400	~$400 (Expected)
Battery Life (10-min tracking)	Up to 14 days	~28+ days (Desired)
Display	176 x 176 pixels	Higher Resolution Color Screen
Messaging	Text Only (SMS)	Multimedia (MMS/Photos)
Ecosystem Integration	Basic (Remote Control)	Automatic SOS Triggering
Navigation	Breadcrumb Trail	Enhanced Standalone Navigation
Charging Port	USB-C	USB-C

Rumors and Hoped-For Features

With no official leaks, most speculation about the Mini 3's features comes from community forums and analysis of the Mini 2's strengths and weaknesses.

Upgraded Internals and Battery Life

The most significant upgrade in the Mini 2 was a new core processor. It is highly likely that a Mini 3 would feature another processor upgrade to enhance performance. Improved battery life is a key demand, especially since the Garmin inReach Messenger boasts double the battery life of the Mini 2.

Battery Life Comparison (10-min Tracking)

Enhanced Display and User Interface

The Mini 2 improved the display resolution to 176 x 176 pixels. Users anticipate a Mini 3 would continue this trend with a higher-resolution screen and further UI refinements for better at-a-glance readability, possibly including a color display.

Multimedia Messaging

A frequently requested feature is the ability to send photos (MMS), a capability currently found in more expensive devices like the inReach Messenger Plus. Incorporating this would be a major upgrade.

Deeper Ecosystem Integration

Users are hoping for tighter integration with Garmin's wearable ecosystem. One specific feature request is for a watch's Incident Detection to automatically trigger an SOS on a paired inReach Mini 3. This would be a crucial safety feature for situations where a user is incapacitated.

Analysis based on publicly available information and community speculation. Garmin and inReach are trademarks of Garmin Ltd.

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