Strava Apple Watch App Gains Route Navigation in Beta

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

Article Link: Strava Apple Watch App Gains Route Navigation in Beta

 

[jameswilby]

For anyone interested, similar options are also available with Komoot and WorkOutDoors to an extent. Would recommend for those fancying an alternative

 

[headlessmike]

For anyone interested, similar options are also available with Komoot and WorkOutDoors to an extent. Would recommend for those fancying an alternative

WorkOutDoors is great if you already have a GPX file with a route from platforms like Strava and Komoot, in addition to many other features. The developer has a thread here in the forums for news and feedback: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/workoutdoors-new-workout-features.2134687/

 

[BBob]

I wish AllTrails would offer hike navigation directly in a watch app.

 

[fenderbass146]

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

 

[msimsk]

Another really good option is https://wristtopo.app/ - I use it and like it very much!

 

[Piplodocus]

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.

 

[arnoz]

For anyone interested, similar options are also available with Komoot and WorkOutDoors to an extent. Would recommend for those fancying an alternative

Komoot still in beta, isn't it?

 

[fenderbass146]

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.

ANT+ won't happen (extra hardware) but almost every head unit supports bluetooth sesnors at this point. This is 100% on apple just being apple.

 

[jameswilby]

Komoot still in beta, isn't it?

Not as of 6 hours ago (as per the App Store)! I did not even realise the timings, oops!

 

[jameswilby]

WorkOutDoors is great if you already have a GPX file with a route from platforms like Strava and Komoot, in addition to many other features. The developer has a thread here in the forums for news and feedback: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/workoutdoors-new-workout-features.2134687/

Indeed but I personally use gpx.studio for generating routes!

 

[arnoz]

Not as of 6 hours ago (as per the App Store)! I did not even realise the timings, oops!

Woohoo! That's it I'm dropping everything and going for a ride.

 

[Urban Splash]

Will this include guidance on trails etc? UK here so no decent Apple Watch options for guidance equivalent to OS maps as far as I can tell

 

[robvalentine]

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

There is an app which lets you transmit heart rate data but I forget what it's called I used it for Zwift before I switched to Garmin

Edit to add, it's called heartcast. Native heart rate transmission over Bluetooth like you get with Garmin watches would be nice,

 

[fenderbass146]

There is an app which lets you transmit heart rate data but I forget what it's called I used it for Zwift before I switched to Garmin

There are, but they are clunky and still require you to have your phone on you to play intermediary. I need somthing that just works without haing to do a bunch of pairing before a ride. Easier to just throw my arm heart ratre monitor on for now.

 

[xDKP]

Okay this is actually pretty big news! I love the route options in Strava especially when on vacation and wanting to explore some great new routes - this could be pretty epic if they made it correct

How do we get to test it?

 

[svish]

Think it will be for paying customers only eventually. I don't have much use for this feature but good to see this.

 

[chelsel]

This might get me to renew my subscription and start wearing my Apple Watch again... been loving my Garmin 570 but it doesn't have maps... either that or just get the Garmin 965 and not have to pay any membership fees ever.