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Apple Watch offline map routes debut for Strava and Komoot apps

If you’re an Apple Watch user who likes leaving your iPhone behind on outdoor adventures, recent updates from Strava and Komoot apps should make that easier than ever.

Strava and Komoot upgrade their watchOS apps with offline support and more

Apple Watch has been an iPhone accessory from the start. And despite the product being capable of a lot sans iPhone, in many cases apps still depend on having a phone nearby.

Fortunately, two popular apps for outdoor activity—Strava and Komoot—have just added a key feature to make going Watch-only more practical.

As spotted by The Verge, Strava and Komoot both now support offline routes in their recently upgraded Apple Watch apps.

This allows users to head outdoors with no iPhone, and even no cellular connection, and enjoy step-by-step navigation thanks to offline map support.

From Strava’s subreddit:

You can now see maps directly on your watch during a run, ride, or hike — including where you’re headed and how to retrace your steps if needed. 

If you’re a subscriber, you can also follow saved Routes hands-free, even offline. Route suggestions are based on activity data from across Strava, so they reflect paths people actually use and like.

And from Komoot’s blog post:

The new komoot app for Apple Watch introduces a series of capabilities, including: 

  • Effortless offline navigation and recording. Users can navigate offline routes with turn-by-turn directions and record activities directly from their watch with real-time statistics. Offline navigation is available to all komoot users with an unlocked map region—Premium is not required.
  • A powerful map on your wrist. High-resolution and sport-specific maps including trails, paths, and street details, with the ability to zoom and pan to explore surroundings. 
  • Instant route sync and Apple-exclusive features. The app includes the option to download and browse routes for offline use, complete integration with Apple Health, and support for Apple Water Lock to prevent precipitation from interacting with the screen in wet conditions.

These updates may appeal especially to Apple Watch Ultra users, but they’re available across standard Apple Watch models too.

Have you given offline routes a try on your Apple Watch yet? Let us know in the comments.

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Avatar for Ryan Christoffel Ryan Christoffel

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.