You can now pair your Apple Watch with a power meter, thanks to watchOS 10 software update

Latest update will also turn your iPhone into a bicycle head unit

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By Nick Clark

Published: June 6, 2023 at 12:18 pm

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.

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.

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.

Digital Writer

Nick Clark is a digital writer for BikeRadar, focusing on all things mountain bikes. Having raced XC for most of his youth, he has a deep understanding of the sport and loves bounding around the UK to spectate at events. A mountain biker at heart, Nick helped create a community of trail builders in his local forest in North Wales. Nick also loves road cycling, where he has completed the holy trinity of spectating at all three grand tours in their host countries. Described as having a good engine in his racing days, it's now common to see Nick wheel-sucking on club rides and sprinting for town signs. He also enjoys bike touring and has completed numerous travels on the west coast of Europe, most recently riding from Lisbon to Roscoff. Nick has built many of his bikes from the frame up and has a keen eye for technical detail. He is currently riding a YT Capra on the trails and a Focus Izalco Max for the road.

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