Strava redesigns its Apple Watch app – just days before the Series 11 launch

Apple is holding its usual September event next week, and the company is expected to reveal not one, not two, but three new Apple Watch models.

The Apple Watch Series 11 and its sibling devices will likely be of interest to runners and cyclists in the Apple ecosystem, but so too might be the news that Strava has rolled out a significant update to its Apple Watch app on the eve of the new devices being revealed.

Does it give us any clues about the new devices? It’s hard to say, but here’s what we have learned, along with all the details about the new on-wrist Strava app.

Strava revamps its watchOS app

Strava’s big new addition to its wearable version this time around is Live Segments. These have been available on your phone for a while, but now you’ll be able to see real-time competition metrics every step of your journey, as you'd be unlikely to check your phone in the middle of a tough workout.

“On Apple Watch, Live Segments are intuitive and motivating,” the company’s press release explains.

“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.”

“At the end of the segment, final results are displayed instantly before the app seamlessly transitions back to the standard recording screen.”

Strava said that 2024 saw an almost 20% increase in users recording data and uploading activities from an Apple Watch device, and alongside Live Segments, your stats will be easier to read while running. The syncing process will also be improved.

“Apple Watch has become an increasingly popular wearable for athletes on Strava," said Strava's Chief Product Officer Matt Salazar in the same press release.

"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.”

Earlier this year, Apple and Strava partnered to help workouts sync more easily between Apple Fitness Plus and Strava.

What does it mean for Apple Watch Series 11?

So, what have we heard about the Apple Watch Series 11 and other models debuting this year? We’re expecting spec bumps across the board, which could be handy for processing those real-time competitions you have with other runners and cyclists via Live Segments.

That feature could also be assisted by a potential switch to MediaTek modems, which could mean you’re able to connect via satellite in an emergency. Whether the same tech can be used for telling your running buddies how much you’ve dominated on a given afternoon remains unlikely, as this will still be done via connection with your phone or LTE connectivity.

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