Strava is bringing what it calls a “cleaner and more intuitive” experience to the Apple Watch along with Live Segments. The changes are meant to address growing demand from athletes turning to Apple’s wearable, according to Strava:
In 2024, Strava saw a nearly 20 percent year-over-year increase in the share of device-uploading athletes using an Apple Watch, with Apple holding the top two spots for preferred devices among runners in Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report.
Live Segments are a Strava feature that provides real-time performance data on starred or popular sections of a route, allowing cyclists and runners to compete against themselves or others in an attempt to lay claim to King/Queen of the Mountain titles. The feature is already available on GPS-enabled watches and bike computers made by companies like Garmin, Hammerhead, Polar, and Suunto, so it’s good to see Apple finally join in on the motivational fun.
With the new app, athletes with an Apple Watch will be presented with a circle and banner showing the approaching segment. As they enter the segment, the circle updates in real time to reflect progress, and whether they are behind or ahead of their personal record. The results are shown at the end of the segment, before transitioning back to the standard recording screen.
“Apple Watch has become an increasingly popular wearable for athletes on Strava,” said Strava’s chief product officer, Matt Salazar. “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.”
The redesigned Strava Apple Watch app is available to download now, globally.
