For years, the dream of the phone-free workout has had one major asterisk for Apple Watch users: navigation. While the Apple Watch Ultra was marketed as a standalone rugged powerhouse, athletes still found themselves tethering their iPhones for reliable, glanceable maps during deep-trail runs or long cycling hauls.
That frustration is officially coming to an end. Strava and Komoot, two giants in the outdoor activity space, have rolled out major updates that bring native offline maps directly to your wrist, as reported by The Verge. This move significantly closes the gap between Apple’s wearable and dedicated fitness watches from brands like Garmin.
Strava’s latest update allows users to see maps directly on their watch during a run, ride, or hike. For the first time, you can view exactly where you are and where you’re headed without needing a cellular connection. The app also includes a “retrace” feature to help you find your way back if you wander off-course. However, the offline map functionality is exclusive to subscribers. If you pay for the premium tier ($11.99/month or $79.99/year), you can now follow saved routes hands-free, even when you’re completely off the grid.
Unlike Strava, Komoot’s offline navigation is available to all users who have unlocked a specific map region—no premium subscription required. The Komoot update is particularly robust, offering high-resolution, sport-specific maps that show trails, paths, and street details. It also includes turn-by-turn navigation and haptic alerts to nudge you when a turn is coming up. “Our goal was to make Komoot’s Apple Watch app fully capable on its own,” says Tom Eldred, product manager at Komoot.
Will this update finally convince you to leave your iPhone at home during your next trail run? Let us know in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
