Strava Apple Watch App Gains Route Navigation in Beta - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Strava Apple Watch App Gains Route Navigation in Beta

by

Strava appears to be rolling out full route navigation and mapping to its watchOS app, bringing the long-awaited functionality to runners, hikers, and cyclists with Apple Watch for the first time.

apple watch strava
The feature, which remains in beta, allows users to select a pre-loaded route, view elevation details, and follow directions directly from their wrist without having to look at their iPhone. Strava users on Reddit noted the feature began appearing over the weekend.

Since this time last year, Strava users have been able to share an Apple Fitness+ workout directly to the Strava app, but the ability to get turn-by-turn directions on an outdoor walk/run or bike ride feels like more of a game-changer for users of the fitness service.

Both paying and non-paying Strava users currently seem to have access to the beta feature, but it's unclear whether it will be reserved for paying subscribers when finalized. Strava has yet to officially comment on the rollout.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Strava
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

fenderbass146 Avatar
fenderbass146
11 weeks ago
Nice, when I MTB I typicalyl don't have a head unit. This will be useful...now if only Apple would allow me to use the bluetooth on my Apple Watch as a sensor for my other devices, (Garmin for example) it be the nearly perfect fitness watch while also being the best smart watch. I HATE having to wear a heart rate monitor when I have a perfectly good one on my wrist 24/7
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
J
jameswilby
11 weeks ago
For anyone interested, similar options are also available with Komoot and WorkOutDoors to an extent. Would recommend for those fancying an alternative
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Piplodocus Avatar
Piplodocus
11 weeks ago

Nice, when I MTB I typicalyl don't have a head unit. This will be useful...now if only Apple would allow me to use the bluetooth on my Apple Watch as a sensor for my other devices, it be the nearly perfect fitness watch while also being the best smart watch. I HATE having to wear a heart rate monitor when I have a perfectly good one on my wrist 24/7
Exactly. I use a Garmin Edge 830. Routes/activities from/to it all sync to Garmin Connect, Strava and Komoot. But even though I'm always wearing my Apple Watch there's no heart rate data for any of it unless I wear a chest strap. Very annoying. So a few of the most "serious" activities I get heart rate when I bother to put that on, and the least serious like the little unplanned lunch time pedal round the block I just did because I used my watch as I don't have my Garmin. But the large majority of bike rides don't. If the watch could either transmit ANT+ heart rate so I could use it as a sensor for the Edge, or if it could sync the full Garmin data to strava while getting the matching heart rate back from apple health, it would be much more convenient.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
BBob
11 weeks ago
I wish AllTrails would offer hike navigation directly in a watch app.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
kitenski
9 weeks ago
Has anyone tried the routing in Strava on the Apple Watch?

Also note this with interest:

Winter sports, upgraded

Real-time run tracking automatically removes chairlift time for accurate downhill performance. Subscribers get detailed winter maps showing trails, lifts, and terrain. Plus new live elevation tracking across all winter sports, right on your wrist or phone.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
S
svish
11 weeks ago
Think it will be for paying customers only eventually. I don't have much use for this feature but good to see this.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments