If you’re a Strava user, you know this has been a long time coming. The company has completely redesigned its Apple Watch app with an update that introduces Live Segments. Here’s how it works:
Every time Tim Cook talks about the Apple Watch on Apple’s quarterly earnings conference call, he says things like “more than half of Apple Watch sales came from new customers,” which is Apple’s way of saying that its user base continues to grow.
Strava knows that too. In a blog post detailing this week’s update, the company said:
“In 2024, Strava saw a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the percentage of athletes uploading their devices using Apple Watch, and Apple held the top two spots for recommended devices among runners in Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report.”
As this demand continues to grow, Strava says it has decided to rethink and redesign the Apple Watch app to provide “a cleaner, more intuitive experience for athletes at every stage of their fitness journey.”
Here’s what’s new in Strava’s latest Apple Watch app update
The highlight feature of this update is Live Segments, which allow users to compete against themselves and the Strava community in starred and popular segments (road and trail sections) around the world. ”
According to Strava, as users approach a segment, their watch face will display a banner with the segment name and a circle that updates in real time to reflect their progress and let them know if they’re beating or falling behind their personal record. Tactile cues also help users quickly know when they have entered a starred segment.
The company also says that subscribers will enjoy some additional benefits.
- Progress updates: Get a countdown that shows you exactly how much distance is left in the segment.
- Instant results: Athletes can immediately see how their completed segment times compare to their personal best.
In addition to live segments and a performance-focused redesign, this update also includes:
- At-a-glance stats: See clearly your pace, distance, time, and heart rate while you’re on the move.
- Efficient Sync: Automatic and reliable syncing to Strava.
Strava is free, but requires an optional subscription for additional features.
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