The fitness app The Outsiders receives its biggest update since launch following Apple Design Award nomination, adding Home Screen widgets, expanded workout imports, new metrics, and 161 workout types.
Just days after being nominated for a 2026 Apple Design Award in the Interaction category, The Outsiders has rolled out its most significant update since launch. Version 1.7 introduces Home Screen widgets, expanded workout import capabilities, new training metrics, and an impressive array of workout types that demonstrate the app's commitment to serving serious fitness enthusiasts beyond casual exercisers.
Apple Design Award Recognition Drives Major Update
The nomination for an Apple Design Award is particularly noteworthy for an app that was released just eight months ago. This recognition underscores the design philosophy and user experience that Gentler Stories, the development team behind The Outsiders, has prioritized since inception.
"The nomination is well-deserved," said Andrej Mihelic, Gentler Stories co-founder and product designer. "Since its release, we've been updating The Outsiders to make it more powerful, flexible, and useful for users whose workout routine goes beyond casual exercise."
Home Screen Widgets Address Top User Request
One of the most anticipated additions in this update is Home Screen widgets, which Mihelic identifies as "the number one ask since launch." These widgets allow users to quickly access key metrics directly from their Home Screen, including Training Readiness, Training Load Ratio, Endurance Fitness, and Health Metrics.
The implementation supports both single and multiple layout options, giving users flexibility in how they view their data. This feature demonstrates how developers can leverage iOS widget capabilities to provide quick access to app functionality without requiring users to open the full application.
Expanded Workout Import Options
The Outsiders has significantly expanded its workout import capabilities in this update. While previously focused on Apple Watch data, the app now supports automatic import from Garmin workouts and manual imports from numerous other platforms including Zwift, Wahoo, COROS, Karoo, and Amazfit.
This enhancement is particularly valuable for users who utilize multiple fitness platforms and devices. The app can now import any workout exported as a .FIT file to Apple Health, creating a unified view of training data across different sources. This interoperability showcases the importance of supporting standard data formats in fitness applications.
Comprehensive Workout Type Support
Version 1.7 dramatically expands The Outsiders' workout type support to 161 different activities. The new additions include both mainstream and niche workout types such as:
- Dog Running
- Kettlebell Workout
- Swimming Tethered
- Gravel Ride
- Outdoor Hand Cycling
- Bouldering
- Windsurfing
- Beach Volleyball
- Inline Hockey
- Surfskate
- BMX Freestyle
- BMX Racing
- Assembling Furniture
This extensive list demonstrates the app's commitment to accommodating diverse training regimens. The inclusion of "Assembling Furniture" as a workout type highlights the developer's attention to user requests and their willingness to support even unconventional fitness activities.
New Training States and Metrics
The update introduces four new states for users who need to modify their training approach: Active Recovery, On a Break, Injured, and Sick. These states provide more nuanced tracking for users who can't maintain their regular training intensity due to various circumstances.
Additionally, the app now includes a "number of sessions" metric with support for both Progress and Workouts views. This metric helps users track training frequency alongside other performance indicators.
Training Form vs. Training Load Ratio
The update offers users the ability to switch between "Training Load Ratio" and "Training Form" views. According to Gentler Stories, this new option is particularly valuable for users preparing for specific events or peak efforts.
"Training Form shows where fitness and freshness meet, and when the balance is right, you're ready to perform," explains the development team. "It's a more focused lens for the part of training that's about pointing at a specific day on the calendar, rather than maintaining over time."
UI Enhancements and Customization
The update includes several interface improvements, including a new card-based UI for body metrics that provides clearer visualization of health data. A new map view for photos taken during workout sessions adds spatial context to workout memories.
Users can now customize their app experience with several new icons, allowing for greater personalization of the interface. These small but meaningful touches contribute to the app's overall user experience and demonstrate how thoughtful design details can enhance engagement.
Technical Considerations for Cross-Platform Fitness Apps
The success of The Outsiders offers valuable insights for developers creating fitness applications:
Data Interoperability: Supporting multiple data sources and formats (.FIT files in this case) is increasingly important as users employ various devices and platforms.
Widget Implementation: Home Screen widgets can significantly enhance user engagement by providing quick access to relevant information without requiring app launches.
State Management: Fitness apps need to accommodate users in various physical states, not just "active" or "inactive," requiring nuanced state tracking.
Customization Options: Allowing users to personalize their experience through icons and layout options can increase app retention and satisfaction.
The Impact of Apple Design Award Recognition
For mobile developers, Apple Design Award recognition can significantly impact an app's visibility and success. The nomination serves as third-party validation of the app's design and user experience, which can influence download numbers and user perception.
The fact that The Outsiders received this nomination just eight months after its release demonstrates that quality design and functionality can be recognized quickly by Apple's design team. This recognition can be particularly valuable for smaller development teams seeking to establish credibility in a competitive market.
Future Implications
The combination of Apple Design Award recognition and a feature-rich update positions The Outsiders for continued growth. The app's free tier with subscription options provides accessibility while offering premium features for serious users.
For developers, The Outsiders exemplifies how focusing on specific user needs (in this case, serious fitness enthusiasts) rather than attempting to serve everyone can lead to a more successful product. The app's rapid evolution since launch shows the importance of listening to user feedback and implementing requested features in a timely manner.
The Outsiders version 1.7 is available now on the App Store, with monthly, yearly, and lifetime subscription options to unlock the full feature set. The combination of design excellence, functional depth, and user-focused updates makes this app a noteworthy example of contemporary iOS development.
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