In a thrilling turn of events, The Outsiders, a groundbreaking app, has received a much-deserved nomination for the 2026 Apple Design Awards in the Interaction category. This recognition comes just eight months after its launch, and the team at Gentler Stories is celebrating by rolling out the biggest update yet.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the app's focus on catering to users who go beyond casual workouts. The Outsiders understands that fitness routines are diverse, and its latest update reflects this philosophy.
A Major Update, Major Impact
The update introduces a range of highly requested features, including Home Screen widgets, which Andrej Mihelic, Gentler Stories co-founder and product designer, describes as "the number one ask since launch." Now, users can conveniently access key metrics like Training Readiness, Training Load Ratio, and Health Metrics right from their Home Screen.
Another notable addition is the ability to import workouts from various platforms, not just the Apple Watch. This expansion of import options is a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts who use different tracking devices.
Workout Variety and Progress Tracking
The Outsiders has expanded its workout types to an impressive 161, including unique activities like Dog Running, Bouldering, and Beach Volleyball. This diversity ensures that users can accurately track their progress across a wide range of fitness activities.
Additionally, the app now offers a new metric: the number of sessions, which can be tracked for both Progress and Workouts. This feature provides a more holistic view of a user's fitness journey.
Training Focus and Recovery
For those with specific training goals, The Outsiders version 1.7 introduces the option to switch from Training Load Ratio to Training Form. This feature is designed for individuals preparing for a race or a peak performance, helping them strike the right balance between fitness and freshness.
Furthermore, the app now includes states like Active Recovery, On a Break, Injured, and Sick, recognizing that fitness is not always linear and that breaks are an essential part of the journey.
User Experience Enhancements
The update also brings improvements to the user interface, with a new design for body metrics that opens as individual cards, making it easier to navigate and understand. Additionally, a map view for photos taken during workouts adds a fun, visual element to the app.
A Bright Future for The Outsiders
With its nomination and this significant update, The Outsiders is solidifying its position as a leading fitness app. Its commitment to user feedback and its innovative approach to tracking diverse workout routines make it a must-have for anyone serious about their fitness journey.
In my opinion, The Outsiders is a prime example of how technology can enhance our lives by providing personalized and flexible solutions. It's an app that truly understands its users and continues to evolve to meet their needs.
As we look ahead, I'm excited to see what further innovations The Outsiders brings to the table, especially in an increasingly competitive fitness app market.
