Strava is rolling out a significant upgrade to its Apple Watch app, introducing long-awaited native route navigation and mapping capabilities. This new functionality allows runners and cyclists to follow maps directly from their wrists, marking a major enhancement in the app’s usability.
The update was first noticed over the weekend by the Strava community on Reddit, revealing that users can now select a pre-loaded route from their Strava library and follow a visual track during an activity. This development effectively closes one of the last major feature gaps between Strava’s watchOS experience and dedicated sports watches from brands like Garmin and Suunto.
Enhancing the Apple Watch Experience
The update follows a significant user interface overhaul of the Strava Apple Watch app in late 2025. Now, when users start a Walk, Run, or Ride, they can tap a new ‘Routes’ icon to access their saved courses. Once an activity begins, a simple swipe reveals a dark-mode map with a bold route overlay, live location markers, and progress indicators toward the finish line. Importantly, the feature also displays real-time elevation details, aiding hikers and cyclists in pacing themselves for upcoming climbs.
While currently labeled as a beta, users with Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 9, and SE 2 have reported seeing the feature on their devices. Early user feedback highlights some “beta” quirks, such as higher battery consumption and the absence of turn-by-turn breadcrumb rerouting. However, the ability to view a full map without needing to retrieve an iPhone from a pocket is seen as a substantial benefit by the community.
Strava’s Strategic Shift
The announcement comes as Strava continues to evolve beyond being merely a social leaderboard. Over the past 18 months, the company has demonstrated its intention to become a comprehensive hub for both pre- and post-workout phases. With updates like this, Strava is also enhancing its during-session platform capabilities.
By integrating mapping technology from their FATMAP acquisition, Strava is making a compelling case for Apple Watch owners to remain within their ecosystem throughout their fitness journey.
This strategic move positions Strava as a more competitive player in the fitness tracking market, potentially challenging dedicated sports watch manufacturers by offering a similar level of functionality directly on the Apple Watch.
Looking Ahead: Subscription and Accessibility
According to sources, there is speculation that this feature might eventually be included in Strava’s subscription service once it reaches a stable release. However, there is hope within the community that it will remain accessible to a broader audience.
Meanwhile, the integration of advanced mapping features is likely to appeal to a wide range of users, from casual runners to serious athletes, further solidifying Strava’s position as a versatile fitness app.
As the beta testing continues, Strava users eagerly await further announcements regarding the full, official rollout of this feature. The move represents a significant step forward in Strava’s mission to enhance the user experience and maintain its competitive edge in the fitness app market.
We will continue to monitor developments and report back with any updates from Strava regarding the official release of this exciting new feature.
