I bought the Apple watch to track my heart rate during runs, only to discover that all third-party apps like MapMyRun and Nike+ are not able to access the heart rate monitor data on the Apple watch. Will this eventually change? Does anyone have information about this?
I am very disappointed, and now wish I had purchased a Fitbit instead.
Apple Watch
Hi..
This being a user to user community, you are not communicating directly with Apple here, no one can say whether or not Apple will allow those third party apps for use with an Apple Watch but what you can do is provide feedback > http://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html
Hi kemading
Carolyn Samit wrote:
This being a user to user community, you are not communicating directly with Apple here, no one can say whether or not Apple will allow those third party apps for use with an Apple Watch ..
This is incorrect.
Carolyn Samit wrote:
.. what you can do is provide feedback > http://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html
It is not appropriate to submit feedback to Apple.
Since watchOS 2 was released by Apple (September 2015), developers have been able to offer apps that access the built-in heart rate sensor on Apple Watch.
The issue with the apps you mention is therefore not a question of Apple needing to allow anything (it already has). Rather, it is a question of the app developers needing to build that feature into their apps.
MapMyRun
The developers of the various MapMy apps state that support for accessing the watch's heart rate sensor is currently "in development". If you would like to let them know that you are keen to see this feature added as soon as possible, you can do so here:
https://support.mapmyfitness.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Nike+ Running
A workaround for the Nike+ Running app is to record activities using both your Apple Watch (start recording there first) and via the Nike+ Running app on your iPhone.
Tracking your workout via the watch's built-in Workout app will cause your heart rate to be monitored continuously for the duration of your workout. If you allow the Nike+ Running app to read Heart Rate data from the Health app on iPhone, it will be able to access - indirectly - heart rate data for your workout:
- On your iPhone, in the Health app, tap on Sources (tab) > Running > turn on Allow "Running" to read Heart Rate data.
You may wish to let Nike know that you would like them to add support for the watch's heart rate sensor:
Thank you Jonathan for your thorough reply.
But something does not make sense. Why would the biggest running apps not allow you to automatically monitor heart rate with the Apple Watch, which has been out for over a year. Apple Watch #2 in market share globally, yet MapMyRun does not pair with it? Even though MapMyRun pairs with nearly 20 other devices, (Jawbone, fitbit, connect, Withings, Nike, Garmin, etc).
One might assume Apple is trying to promote their fitness app by blocking access to some functions by 3rd party developers (i.e. Nike, Under Armour), as I can't see why developers wouldn't be prepared to pair with Apple Watch.
According to Nike, the problem is with Apple (see print screen from Nike+ app)
Please advise me further if you can, thanks!
That information (in the screen shot) is out of date.
All third-party developers have been able to incorporate this functionality into their apps since the release of watchOS 2.0
Examples of third-party fitness apps that include support for accessing the heart rate sensor on Apple Watch include:
Runtastic
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runtastic-gps-running-jogging/id336599882?mt=8
Runmeter
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/runmeter-gps-pedometer-running/id326498704?mt=8
Strava
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/strava-running-cycling-gps/id426826309?mt=8
Thanks Jonathan, I've been searching 3 months for a straightforward answer to this question.
May I also ask if there are other running apps that accesses heart rate on Apple Watch, like Endomondo.
MapMyRun actually charges $10/month, just to monitor heart rate, which for me was money wasted.
My main concern in leaving MapMyRun is losing my running history, though I hear Endomondo is also owned by UnderArmour so perhaps there is hope?
Perhaps this is beyond your area of knowledge...
Carolyn Samit wrote:
.. what you can do is provide feedback > http://www.apple.com/feedback/watch.html
It is not appropriate to submit feedback to Apple.
I'm very surprised Jonathan. The feedback form has many categories and feadback with feature requests, with respect to ease of use, or compatibility issues is very welcome.
And if a user erroneously thinks features are not available, it as at least a case where the feedback will make Apple aware, that the documentation needs improving.
You're most welcome! 🙂
The Endomondo app for Apple Watch does not currently work with the watch's built-in heart rate sensor.
Hi léonie
In this instance, the issue does not relate to any misunderstanding of the watch's features or to Apple's documentation or to Apple's own apps.
This is instead a matter (of demand and supply, in terms of preferred features) between users and certain third-party app developers.
O.k. I see what you mean. In the Photos forum we encourage the users to send feedback to Apple about the missing support for certain third party applications and cameras. Frequently the problem is not the unwillingness of the third party developers to provide a better support, but Apples restrictions imposed by the interface for the app extensions and requirements a the App Store.so the developers cannot provide more versatile app extensions.
When will Apple allow third party fitness apps, like MapMyRun, to access the heart rate monitor?
