Strava is rolling out a set of updates to route discovery and maps, aimed at people who run, walk, hike and ride outdoors. The changes include a smarter search in the Maps tab, redesigned route cards and an offline mode that lets you record a workout without signal.
Strava announced the update on October 22, and the first set of features is available today. It comes a week after Strava added guided strength workouts with live set and rep tracking. Strava reports more than 200 million users in more than 185 countries.
Search now matches routes to what you mean
In the Maps tab, you can search for route names or points of interest for your next run, walk, hike or ride. Type a place in your own words and Strava matches the results to your intent.
Strava has also expanded and better curated its route inventory, so you get a broader set of options before you leave the house. Redesigned route cards help you pick between them, using photos and activity data from other Strava users.
Offline maps put your saved routes on the home screen
When you have no signal, your saved routes appear on the home screen of the Strava app. You can start and save a workout in Offline Mode, and the finished activity uploads as soon as service returns.
Turn-by-turn audio and web route discovery are coming soon
Subscribers will be able to hear turn-by-turn audio directions while following a route on hikes, walks and runs. The audio gives real-time guidance on when to turn.
Route details are also getting community tags and descriptions, validated by users’ own activities. They point out waterfalls, trees, wildlife and more ahead of time. Route discovery is coming to the web as well, where you will be able to browse routes and scroll around the map.
Strava has not given release dates for any of the three. Strava is a free download from the App Store with a subscription tier, and it requires iOS 17.0 or later.
