Strava and Komoot Bring Offline Maps to Apple Watch

Athletes who chose Apple Watch over Garmin have been waiting years for this moment, and it finally arrived.

Strava and Komoot both launched offline maps for Apple Watch this week, ending the frustrating need to carry a phone just to see your route. Now runners, cyclists, and hikers can head out with only their watch and still follow turn-by-turn directions on trails and roads.

Komoot's version stands out as the more generous offering. The app provides full turn-by-turn navigation for free, though some map regions require a one-time purchase. Strava's offline maps work only for paid subscribers at $79.99 per year, and the feature doesn't yet include turn-by-turn directions.

The update transforms the Apple Watch Ultra from a capable fitness tracker into a true standalone adventure companion. Before this, athletes either lugged their iPhones along or paid for third-party apps that never quite matched the seamless experience of their favorite platforms.

"For many of us, the ability to disconnect is the best part of being outdoors," said Tom Eldred, product manager at Komoot. "We wanted the community to have the freedom to leave their phone at home or at least in their pocket."

The Bright Side

This change represents more than just convenience. Leaving the phone behind transforms outdoor workouts from distracted exercises into genuine escapes from digital life.

Athletes using Garmin watches have enjoyed this freedom for years, giving the brand a significant edge. Apple's ecosystem is finally catching up, proving that patient users eventually get rewarded when platforms listen.

Komoot promises more advanced features like auto-rerouting in future updates. For now, both apps handle the basics well, with Komoot offering slightly more functionality out of the gate.

The real winners are weekend warriors who love their Apple Watches but felt tethered to bulky phones on long rides and trail runs. That phone weighing down your pocket or bouncing in your running belt can finally stay home where it belongs.