Strava's API changes could mean that users of budget wearables can access fewer services
Strava has made changes to its API, and it’s got users of third-party apps very, very annoyed.
Strava is not only a fantastic workout platform, but it’s made a name for itself by working with pretty much every service available. Every wearable and health service plugs into Strava, making it one of the key services for athletes.
If you happen to have a Garmin watch, use Runnr, and also Peloton, you can blend all that workout data into one place on Strava. This integration has spawned a whole industry of apps and services that take Strava’s data, slice it up, and reserve it for a variety of niche (and not-so-niche) audiences.
Revealed: Best Strava compatible wearables
So, changes to Strava’s API have caused chaos after the company restricted third parties from doing extra analysis or processing of data using AI. That affects a lot of third-party services.
From a wearables perspective, there’s not a lot of change here.
But if you use multiple wearables and third-party apps that rely on Strava to offer new and exciting insights, then you might notice some changes.
And it might affect those who use budget devices.
While Garmin, Polar, and others are supported by big platforms such as Final Surge, Xert, TrainerRoad, or hundreds of other services, smaller manufacturers might not be. If you picked up an (excellent) Huawei Watch GT 5, Amazfit Active, or even Coros Pace 3, this may now limit the services you can use it with.
It might be the case that certain services can reach agreements or find workarounds with Strava.
But the company is flexing its muscles, and it could be users who lose out for now.
