According to the forecast from market research company Counterpoint Research, the smartwatch with satellite connectivity is expected to grow from 2% of total shipments in the third quarter of 2025 to 28% in 2030.
Currently, satellite features are largely limited to premium smartwatches priced over $500, but this barrier will be eased as the narrow-field non-terrestric network (NB-NTN) is standardized. However, competitive pressure will gradually bring satellite connectivity to mid-range models. North America and Europe are leading the current trend, and China is expected to take the next step as the support ecosystem continues to be strengthened.
Since Apple introduced satellite SOS service in 2022 on smartphones and Huawei followed with a Tiantong-based connection in 2023, satellite communication has shifted from appropriate awareness to popular awareness. With the standardized NB-NTN now starting to be commercialized, smartwatches are ready to become early adopters due to their compact form factor and the increasing demand for always-on connection.
The application of satellite smartwatches will speed up when users search for reliable communication outside the mobile coverage area, especially in activities such as long-distance walking or in areas with uneven coverage.
The deployment of standardized NB-NTN technology will ensure global compatibleity and low-power performance, making satellite access more practical for compact wearable devices.
Improvements in chipsets and integrated quite will reduce complexity and design costs, while partnerships with suppliers will bring seamless Hybrid data packages. Along with that, these factors will promote the connection of satellites from suitable use cases to the popular application of smartwatches.
Currently, many original equipment manufacturers have equipped with modern features, connecting satellites to many of their product lines. For Apple, in the third quarter of 2025, it expanded its satellite features to Apple Watch Ultra 3. Some other manufacturers also have similar steps such as Google with Pixel Watch 4, Garmin with Fenix 8 Pro or Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 (Chinese version)...
Satellite connectivity is being introduced on some smartwatch models, but is expected to develop into a standard feature in addition to mobile connectivity. This change will further motivate more OEM manufacturers to introduce satellite-assisted devices on their upcoming product lines.
