Latest Fitness App Updates in 2026: What’s New with Apple Fitness, Garmin Connect & Strava

The fitness tech ecosystem is moving fast in 2026. Major platforms like Apple, Garmin, and Strava are rolling out meaningful updates that improve training insights, motivation, and everyday usability.

If you’re using an Apple Watch or a Garmin smartwatch, these updates also change how you interact with your device daily, which makes premium, comfortable straps more relevant than ever.

Below is a breakdown of what’s new and how upgrading your watch straps can elevate your experience.

So...What’s New with Apple Fitness & Health in 2026

Apple Fitness and Apple Health continue to evolve into a complete wellness platform.

Recent Apple Fitness & Health Updates

• More personalised Fitness+ training plans based on goals and habits

• Improved activity ring customisation for rest days and recovery

• Deeper sleep, recovery, and training load insights on watchOS

• Better workout sharing with Strava

• Enhanced health metrics inside Apple Health (sleep trends, vitals, trends)

These updates mean more time wearing your watch throughout the day; during workouts, recovery, and everyday life.

Upgrade Your Apple Watch with Premium Straps

As Apple Fitness and Health encourage 24/7 wear, comfort and style matter more than ever. Premium straps help with:

• All-day comfort for sleep tracking

• Sweat-friendly materials for workouts

• Stylish designs for work and social wear

• Quick-release swaps between training and lifestyle looks

Three New Arrivals from The Time Club 

1. The Hawthorne - The Wide Leather Apple Watch Strap for Apple Ultra 

2. The Noir FKM - Premium Rubber Apple Ultra Watch Strap 

3. The Expedition Timber Edition - Premium Nylon Military Style Apple Strap

What’s New with Garmin & Garmin Connect in 2026

Garmin Connect continues to receive feature upgrades alongside Garmin smartwatch updates. There has been a major software update rolled out across many Garmin smartwatches. 

Recent Garmin & Garmin Connect Updates

• More advanced training insights and recovery tracking

• Improved gear tracking for shoes and equipment

• Better course planning and race preparation tools including cut-offs, rest points and aid stations

• Multi-sport workout support in a single session which is great for Hybrid/Hyrox users

• Health tracking refinements for sleep and recovery

These features are especially popular with endurance athletes, runners, cyclists, and hybrid trainers.

Elevate Your Garmin with Premium Straps

Garmin users often wear their watches for longer sessions — long runs, rides, hikes, and recovery days. A premium strap can make a big difference by offering:

• Breathable materials for endurance training

• Secure fit for intense movement

• Durable finishes for outdoor use

• Stylish options for everyday wear

Three New Arrivals from The Time Club 

1. The UltraFit Loop Hybrid Edition - The Nylon Loop for Garmin Fenix 

2. The Core Shadow Edition - Nylon Expert Strap for Garmin QuickFit Watches

3. The SolarX - Orange Silicone Strap for Garmin

Strava’s Updates: Why It Still Matters for Apple & Garmin Users

Strava continues to refine its platform with:

• Instant workouts based on workout history

• Better workout discovery

• Social challenges and sharing

• Improved syncing with Apple and Garmin devices
  

• Additional exercise types including Padel, Basketball and Volleyball

Strava keeps users motivated, which means more workouts, more tracking, and more time wearing your watch.

That’s exactly why having the right strap matters: comfort for long sessions, durability for sweat and weather, and style for post-workout life.

Why Premium Watch Straps Matter More in 2026

As fitness apps become smarter, watches become more central to daily life. Your strap isn’t just an accessory, it’s part of your training setup.

Benefits of upgrading your watch strap:

• Improved comfort for 24/7 health tracking

• Better hygiene with washable or sweat-resistant materials

• Style upgrades without replacing your watch

• Longer lifespan compared to stock straps

Final Take

Pairing those smarter features with premium replacement straps gives you better comfort, performance, and style, whether you’re training hard or just closing your daily rings. 

With Apple Fitness, Garmin Connect, and Strava all leveling up in 2026, your smartwatch is more useful than ever. Plus rumour has it Strava could IPO very soon...