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Zwift Mobile app out of beta and onto iOS devices for easier virtual training

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Screenshot from Zwift mobile

We’re in the middle of a trainer renaissance thanks to technology. What used to be an unbearable method of off season punishment for only the most dedicated cyclists, has turned into a sociable video game with real world benefits.  Zwift wasn’t the first company to peddle virtual training, but their integration of the social element has seemingly struck a chord with many cyclists who are taking to trainers due to weather, time constraints, or simply looking for more structured training.

Zwift started as a data heavy computer program that meant you were forced to have a semi permanent trainer set up, or spend a good deal of time setting up for each session. Now, with the introduction of the mobile app, you can be up and running in no time, no matter where you are…

When the app was first announced, Zwift mobile was still only available through a beta trial program. Over the holidays, the app finally moved from beta testing into the App Store making it available to anyone with an iPhone and a Zwift account. Technically, you can still use the free trial on the mobile app, but after 7 days you’ll need to pony up for the $10 a month membership. Personally, I think they’d gain even more users if they offered a “winter training” pack that was a prepackaged number of months for a set price – perhaps as the program continues to grow that may be a reality one day.

Currently only available on iOS, since the app is iPhone based you’ll need a bluetooth compatible trainer, power source, or speed sensor. You’ll also need iOS 9.0 or later, and an iPhone 5s or later. The app is also able to be run on iPads and 6th generation iPod touch, though consult the app store for complete compatibility. The app itself, is available for free through iTunes.

zwift.com

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millcitycycle
7 years ago

Twice as many Android user, hello?!

JP
JP
7 years ago
Reply to  millcitycycle

Have you launched an app for both platforms ? I did. Way simpler with iOS. Far too much variability between all the Android platforms.
I would say twice as many Android users, but 5 times more time to spend to program it !
Hello ?! Simple logic there, obviously. You really think the Zwift people would spit on Android income if it only took them a few programming mods to get it right ? Really ? Hello ?!

Collin
Collin
7 years ago

Looking at the zwift website, it looks like you can only connect to sensors via bluetooth which means only stages power meters and smart trainers. I’m pretty sure iPads only have bluetooth and no ANT+ (some androids do have ANT+). Doing a quick google search, it appears there are ANT+ dongles for the old style apple plugs but not for lightning style. If can’t pick up ANT+, it doesn’t seem very useful.

Chader
Chader
7 years ago
Reply to  Collin

You can use the Viiiiva heart rate monitor or the CABLE ANT+ to BTLE bridge. They accept the ANT+ signals from your devices and convert them to BTLE for use on the iOs device.

JP
JP
7 years ago

You can also buy BTLE sensors or dual ANT+/BTLE sensors and bike trainer, like a Tickr HRM and a Kickr
Or a lightning adapter, to connect your Wahoo iphone ant+ adapter over it

nemeseri
nemeseri
7 years ago

I tried out zwift for the very first time during the holidays and the updated iOS app crashed almost every time during / after the workouts. If I didn’t record the session on my regular bike computer, I would have lost one of my 1hr 20min workout completely. Based on the article I wonder how bad it was before.

roadrash
roadrash
7 years ago
Reply to  nemeseri

I have yet to have my app crash on both the iPhone/ipad and regular computer app. I think it has a lot to do with a strong internet connection. I cannot imagine not having Zwift at this point in my cycling life.

Mickey
Mickey
7 years ago

tried zwift w/ iOS on iphone SE over the weekend. Ran like complete garbage, although it did sync with my sensor. Literally 0 fps, recorded 6 minutes of the ride vs the 80 minutes on the computer. Maybe runs better on ipad? I don’t see how a smaller screen and fewer pixels would result in such terrible performance.

And
And
7 years ago

Running on iPhone SE and works perfectly. As connected to TV never crashed, maybe I was just lucky but can’t complain.

JMART
JMART
7 years ago

I’ve used this with my iphone6 a few times now. I have a KICKR trainer, Stages power meter on my bike, and I use the TICKR heart rate monitor. Yes, it’s not going to be for everyone considering the Bluetooth aspect of it, but I think this has been a great solution that has made hoping on the bike and getting your workout in just a little faster. I noticed a few little bugs in the app, like not being able to turn around on Zwift and such, but certainly not any deal breakers.

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