Apple’s new watchOS 10 software update will feature connectivity for power meters and can turn your iPhone into a head unit.
The new update will enable Apple Watch users to connect to Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories such as speed and cadence sensors, heart rate monitors and power meters.
Apple announced the software update at its World Wide Developers Conference, and it's likely a production version of the update will be available to download in September.
The Bluetooth connectivity will also work on some stationary bikes using Apple’s GymKit, which shares fitness data with compatible gym equipment.
iPhone head unit
All cycling workouts started on the Apple Watch will automatically show up as a Live Activity on your iPhone’s lock screen.
When tapped, the workout will open into a full-screen view, effectively turning your iPhone into a bike computer when mounted to the handlebars.
This full-screen view will display your current and average speed, distance and heart rate, as well as any data collected from connected devices such as power meters.
Apple says it will use power data to estimate your Functional Threshold Power and calculate personalised power zones, enabling you to judge your efforts over a long period of time.
A lack of Bluetooth connectivity to power meters has previously separated the Apple Watch from other outdoor smartwatches.
New maps
Starting in the US, the Apple Watch will display topographic maps with contour lines and enable users to search for nearby trailheads.
The new mapping will also drop a pin at the last location where you had a cellular signal and another where you can make an SOS call using any network provider, which may come in handy when out on the trails.
The watchOS 10 update builds on other cycling-specific features such as Fall Detection.
This feature uses accelerometers to determine if you have had a crash and will alert emergency services if you don’t get up after a minute.
With the software only just being released to developers, we are yet to see what apps such as Strava and Komoot will do with the added functionality, but we can expect them to incorporate the new connectivity.
