Apple Watch apps for outdoors that work without an iPhone
7 Apple Watch apps for outdoors that run without an iPhone on Launch on Watch. 5 of the 7 are free to download. Other Watch features they use most: GPS (5), Complications (4) and HealthKit (4).
Updated 7 Nov 2026 (UTC) from the live catalogue. Every app here was submitted by its developer or listed by our editors and reviewed before it appeared.Compare them side by sideRuns without iPhone
AniMeteoLuca MattiazziRain timing & animated skyWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
SundialTier 9 Digital LLCSun and moon times on a 24-hour dial, from the wrist or the watch faceWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
RainViewerMeteoLab Inc.Live rain radar, forecast and alerts on a standalone Watch appWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
Paddle LoggerPaddle Logger Ltd.One-button tracking for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeingFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
EquilabEquestrian Insights ABRide tracking for equestrians, with gait and distance logged on the WatchFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
Dawn PatrolDawn Patrol Surf TrackingSurf sessions tracked wave by wave from the WatchFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhone
WorkOutDoorsIan MurissFull maps and navigation for hikes and runs, right on the WatchFitness · GPS
AniMeteoLuca MattiazziRain timing & animated skyWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhoneSundialTier 9 Digital LLCSun and moon times on a 24-hour dial, from the wrist or the watch faceWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhoneRainViewerMeteoLab Inc.Live rain radar, forecast and alerts on a standalone Watch appWeather · ComplicationsListed by editorsRuns without iPhonePaddle LoggerPaddle Logger Ltd.One-button tracking for paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeingFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhoneEquilabEquestrian Insights ABRide tracking for equestrians, with gait and distance logged on the WatchFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhoneDawn PatrolDawn Patrol Surf TrackingSurf sessions tracked wave by wave from the WatchFitness · GPSListed by editorsRuns without iPhoneWorkOutDoorsIan MurissFull maps and navigation for hikes and runs, right on the WatchFitness · GPSCompare them
| App | Runs without iPhone | Price | Watch features |
|---|---|---|---|
| AniMeteo | Yes | Paid | Complications, Smart Stack / widgets, GPS |
| Sundial | Yes | Free · In-app purchases | Complications, Smart Stack / widgets |
| RainViewer | Yes | Free · In-app purchases | Complications, Notifications |
| Paddle Logger | Yes | Free · In-app purchases | GPS, HealthKit, Haptics, Siri / App Intents |
| Equilab | Yes | Free · In-app purchases | GPS, HealthKit |
| Dawn Patrol | Yes | Free · In-app purchases | GPS, HealthKit, Offline |
| WorkOutDoors | Yes | Paid | GPS, Offline, HealthKit, Complications |