Strava has launched its new redesigned app for the Apple Watch, which now features a “performance-focused” interface, Strava’s Live Segments, performance tracking and more.
The update follows an increase in users uploading activities from Apple Watches. Strava says there was a nearly 20 per cent year-over-year increase in athletes using an Apple Watch in 2024.
“Apple Watch has become an increasingly popular wearable for athletes on Strava,” says Matt Salazar, chief product officer at Strava. “This investment in Apple Watch is more than just tracking a workout – it’s about delivering the real-time, game-like features athletes love to motivate them in the moment.”
So what’s new?
Strava’s Apple Watch app now includes Live Segments. Strava
Strava says it made several key updates to the Apple Watch app, including bringing its Live Segments feature to the smartwatch.
Live Segments enable you to compete against yourself or other Strava users on starred or popular segments.
“On Apple Watch, Live Segments are intuitive and motivating,” says Strava. “As athletes approach a segment, a banner with the segment name and a circle indicator appears on the watch face. As they enter the segment, the circle updates in real time to reflect progress, providing a clear visual cue that shows whether the athlete is ahead or behind their personal record.”
Strava also says you will receive a haptic cue when entering a Live Segment. And once you’ve completed the segment, your result will be displayed instantly before the app transitions back to the standard recording screen.
Elsewhere, Strava says its Apple Watch app will now enable you to see stats at a glance, including pace, distance, time and heart rate.
Streamlined syncing is said to make uploading directly to Strava “automatic and reliable”.
Extra features for Strava subscribers
If you’re a subscriber to Strava, you will have access to more features on the Apple Watch.
The live performance tracking means you’ll be able to see how your current pace compares to your personal best in real time.
The Live Segments feature is also enhanced for paid subscribers. With a subscription, you will have a countdown showing exactly how much distance remains in a segment. You’ll also be able to see how your completed segment time compares to your personal best immediately.
Integration between Apple Fitness+ and Strava
The update to Strava’s Apple Watch app follows the enhanced integration between Apple Fitness+ and Strava, which was announced in January of this year.
Strava teamed up with Apple’s fitness and wellness service to offer “more value, inspiration, and motivation”, thanks to three new features.
The integration between the two services enables users to track and share their Fitness+ workouts on Strava, and Strava subscribers can also unlock a three-month trial of Apple Fitness+ at no additional cost.
It was also revealed that Fitness+ would debut workouts featuring top athletes from Strava, including runners Hellah Sidibe and Kayla Jeter.
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