Watch

apps and guides to get more from your watch

Strava Running & Cycling GPS

Specially optimized for Watch Series 2 Free Developer Strava, strava.com Platform iPhone, watchOS Requirements iOS 10.0 or later If you own an Apple Watch and regularly run or cycle, Strava can turn these activities into a socially aware game you can share with friends, by joining challenges and setting new leaderboard personal records. The app even helps discover new places to run or ride, using iPhone geolocation data.

With Watch Series 2’s GPS support leveraged in this version, you can leave your iPhone behind if you own Apple’s latest smartwatch. The completely reengineered watchOS app allows runners to record a full workout from start to finish, with real-time display of time, pace, distance, speed, and heart rate.

When a workout is finished, Strava presents an instant summary on your wrist, which can be synced to your account with a tap on the Save button. With previous versions, you needed to carry an iPhone regardless of which Watch model you owned.

That will still be the case if you own a first-generation or Series 1 Apple Watch, but thanks to improved watchOS 3 support, the recording experience takes place entirely on your smartwatch, rather than on the connected iPhone. Regardless of which Watch you own, a number of features like coaching, post-workout analysis, and live feedback require a paid Premium subscription, which starts at $5.99 per month.

There is one downside to the updated app, however; you now have to choose between Watch or iPhone when starting a new run or

ride, whereas the previous version allowed both devices to work in tandem.

The bottom line. Apple Watch Series 2 owners will love Strava’s support for built-in GPS, but it’s great even with an older model. J.R. Bookwalter strava running & cycling gps Support for built-in GPS on Apple Watch Series 2 Real-time data display Subscription required for Premium features Older Apple Watch models require iPhone for GPS GREAT