Wearable App Development | Apple Watch, Garmin & Fitness Trackers

Expert wearable app developers in Kent & London. Creators of Map My Tracks, the #1 fitness app with millions of Apple Watch and wearable users.

We're wearable app development specialists based in Kent, serving London and the UK. As the creators of Map My Tracks - the #1 Health & Fitness app on the App Store with millions of wearable users - we have unparalleled expertise in Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and smartwatch integration. With 20+ years of experience building wearable apps that sync seamlessly with fitness trackers, we deliver robust, real-time health and fitness solutions that users love. From GPS workout tracking and heart rate monitoring to sleep analysis and activity rings, we build wearable apps that leverage the full capabilities of modern smartwatches and fitness bands. Whether you need Apple Watch complications, Garmin Connect IQ apps, Fitbit clockfaces, or multi-device health platforms, our UK-based team specialises in HealthKit, Google Fit, and wearable sensor integration that keeps users engaged and active.

The wearable market is projected to reach $118 billion by 2028. Tinderhouse builds best-in-class wearable apps with proven success - Map My Tracks has powered millions of workouts across Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and other wearables.

Tinderhouse - At a glance

Wearable app development

Everything you need to know about working with us.

Experience
20+ years | Map My Tracks #1 app | Wearable specialists
Investment
£15K-£150K depending on complexity
Timeline
12-32 weeks from concept to App Store
Technologies
Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Wear OS, HealthKit
Specialties
GPS tracking, heart rate, activity rings, sensor integration
Location
Canterbury, Kent & London
MAP MY TRACKS
Featured
App Store
BABY LED WEANING COOKBOOK
#1 App
App Store (Lifestyle)
MAP MY TRACKS
#1 App
App Store (Fitness)

Our app and website design and development expertises

AI integration specialists
Web service connections
Back-end database integration
Innovative UX/UI design

Our app and website solutions are helping businesses grow, be more efficient and sell more. Talk to us about your project. Call us on +44 (0)1227 811771.

Why use Tinderhouse for wearable app development?

Here are just some of the reasons why we think we're a good fit for your wearable app project.

Proven Wearable Success - We created Map My Tracks, the #1 Health & Fitness app that's powered over 100 million workouts across Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and other wearables. Our apps handle real-time GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sensor data for millions of active users worldwide. This isn't theoretical expertise - we've solved every wearable development challenge at massive scale.

Apple Watch Specialists - We build native watchOS apps leveraging complications, activity rings, workout sessions, background updates, and SwiftUI. Our apps integrate seamlessly with HealthKit, support independent cellular operation, handle complex workout algorithms, and deliver the responsive experiences Apple Watch users expect.

Multi-Device Integration - We develop for the entire wearable ecosystem including Garmin Connect IQ apps using Monkey C, Fitbit apps with JavaScript, Wear OS using Kotlin, Samsung Galaxy Watch integration, Polar and Suunto device connectivity, and custom wearable hardware via Bluetooth. Your users can choose their preferred device while enjoying consistent app experiences.

Real-Time Sensor Integration - We handle complex sensor data including GPS with 1-second precision, heart rate with BPM zones, accelerometer for step counting and cadence, gyroscope for movement patterns, barometric altimeter for elevation, and blood oxygen monitoring. Our algorithms process sensor data efficiently while preserving battery life - crucial for all-day wearable usage.

Health & Fitness Expertise - Beyond technical implementation, we understand fitness app requirements including workout algorithms for pace, distance, and calories, training plans with progressive overload, recovery metrics and fatigue monitoring, VO2 max estimation, running power and cycling FTP, and sport-specific features for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and more. Map My Tracks supports 50+ activity types with sport-specific data fields and metrics.

Battery Optimization - Wearable battery life is critical. We implement aggressive optimization including efficient GPS sampling strategies, background processing minimization, smart sensor activation, low-power Bluetooth connectivity, workout pausing detection, and energy-efficient algorithms. Map My Tracks users track 8-hour ultra marathons on a single charge.

Offline Capability - Wearables often operate independently from phones. We build robust offline experiences with local workout storage, on-device route navigation, cached map tiles, background sync when connected, and intelligent data compression. Users can leave their phone at home and still track complete workouts.

HealthKit & Google Fit Integration - We integrate deeply with health platforms reading historical health data, writing workout sessions, syncing body measurements, accessing nutrition data, managing activity rings, and handling permissions correctly. Our apps become part of users' complete health ecosystems rather than isolated experiences.

Cloud Sync & Web Platforms - Wearable apps need companion experiences. We build complete platforms with cloud workout storage, web dashboards for analysis, social features and challenges, training plan management, progress visualization, and API access for third-party integrations. Map My Tracks syncs seamlessly across iOS, Android, Apple Watch, Garmin, web, and more.

Proven Track Record - Tinderhouse has 20+ years of experience building wearable and fitness technology. We've delivered GPS tracking at scale, managed millions of concurrent users, achieved #1 App Store rankings, maintained 4.5+ star ratings, and built long-term sustainable platforms. Learn more about why UK businesses trust Tinderhouse for their wearable development needs.

Our approach to wearable app development

Discovery & Requirements

We start by understanding your users, their activities, and device preferences. Through user research and competitive analysis, we define core features, identify key metrics, plan device support, establish data models, and map user journeys. Wearable apps require ruthless prioritization - limited screen space and battery constraints mean every feature must earn its place.

Device Selection & Architecture

We recommend optimal device support based on your target audience. This includes platform selection (native vs hybrid), sensor requirements, connectivity needs, battery life targets, and user demographics. We plan data sync architecture, offline capabilities, cloud infrastructure, and multi-device consistency. Our experience building Map My Tracks informs realistic technical recommendations.

Wearable UX Design

Wearable interfaces are fundamentally different from phones. We design glanceable information displays, large touch targets for outdoor use, minimal interaction flows, complication designs, workout views with key metrics, notification strategies, haptic feedback patterns, and voice control integration. Every screen is tested during real workouts - running, cycling, swimming - to ensure usability in motion.

Development & Integration

Our development phase implements native wearable code using Swift for watchOS, Kotlin for Wear OS, or Monkey C for Garmin. We integrate sensors (GPS, heart rate, accelerometer), implement efficient battery usage, handle background processing, sync with companion phone apps, integrate with HealthKit/Google Fit, and build cloud infrastructure for workout storage. Agile sprints deliver working features every two weeks for testing during real activities.

Testing & Optimisation

Wearable testing is rigorous and physical. We conduct real-world workout testing including outdoor GPS accuracy, heart rate reliability, battery life measurement, movement and impact testing, temperature extremes, sweat and water resistance, and extended duration testing. We optimize algorithms, tune battery usage, refine UX based on workout feedback, and ensure reliable background operation. Beta testing with real athletes provides invaluable insights.

Launch & App Store Optimisation

We handle complete wearable app launches including App Store/Play Store submissions with wearable-specific screenshots and videos, complication gallery submissions, device manufacturer approval processes (Garmin Connect IQ, Fitbit Gallery), marketing asset creation, press kit preparation, and launch coordination. Our Map My Tracks experience means we know exactly what app stores require for wearable apps.

Ongoing Support & Updates

Wearable platforms evolve rapidly. We provide watchOS/Wear OS update compatibility, new sensor integration (blood oxygen, ECG), performance optimization, feature enhancements based on user feedback, bug fixes and crash monitoring, and App Store rating management. Map My Tracks has received continuous updates for over a decade - we're in this long-term.

Our wearable app development credentials

  • 20+ years experience: Building fitness and wearable apps since early GPS devices
  • #1 App Store success: Map My Tracks reached #1 in Health & Fitness category
  • 100M+ workouts tracked: Proven scalability and reliability across millions of users
  • Multi-device expertise: Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Wear OS, Polar, Suunto integration
  • Real-world testing: We're runners, cyclists, and athletes who use what we build
  • Battery optimisation: 8+ hour GPS tracking on a single charge
  • UK-based team: Canterbury, Kent and London, serving businesses nationally and internationally

Frequently asked questions

Wearable app development in the UK typically costs £15000-£150,000 depending on complexity and device support. Basic Apple Watch apps with HealthKit integration cost £15K-£60K, multi-device fitness apps with GPS and heart rate tracking cost £60K-£100K, and comprehensive platforms with Garmin, Fitbit, and cloud sync cost £100K-£150K+.

Cost factors include platform selection (Apple Watch £25K, Garmin Connect IQ +£15K, Fitbit +£12K, Wear OS +£20K), sensor integration (GPS £8K-£15K, heart rate £5K-£10K, advanced sensors +£10K), HealthKit/Google Fit integration (£8K-£15K), companion phone app (£20K-£40K), cloud backend with workout storage (£15K-£30K), and web dashboard (£15K-£25K).

Ongoing costs for platform updates, device compatibility, feature development, and support range from £1K-£4K per month. We provide transparent fixed-price quotes after understanding your requirements.

We develop for the complete wearable ecosystem including Apple Watch (watchOS native apps with complications, activity rings, and independent cellular operation), Garmin devices (Connect IQ apps for Forerunner, Fenix, Vivoactive, Edge cycling computers), Fitbit smartwatches and trackers (Fitbit OS apps and clockfaces), Wear OS devices (Samsung Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch, others using Kotlin), Polar and Suunto devices (via their SDKs and Bluetooth connectivity), and custom wearable hardware using Bluetooth Low Energy.

We also integrate with health platforms including Apple HealthKit for iOS ecosystem integration, Google Fit for Android users, Samsung Health, Strava API for athlete communities, and TrainingPeaks for structured training. Our Map My Tracks app supports 15+ wearable device types with seamless data sync across all platforms.

Wearable app development timelines vary by complexity. Basic Apple Watch apps take 12-16 weeks, comprehensive fitness apps with GPS and multi-sensor integration take 20-28 weeks, and multi-device platforms supporting Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit take 28-36 weeks.

Our process includes 2-3 weeks discovery and planning, 2-3 weeks wearable UX design optimized for small screens and workout scenarios, 10-20 weeks development including native wearable code, sensor integration, companion app, and cloud backend, 2-4 weeks real-world testing including outdoor workouts, battery optimisation, and GPS accuracy validation, 1-2 weeks App Store submission and device manufacturer approval, and 1 week launch support.

Add 4-8 weeks for each additional device platform beyond the first. Our agile approach delivers working prototypes within weeks for early testing during real workouts.

Yes, we specialise in Apple Watch complication development including all complication families (circular, rectangular, graphic, inline), real-time data updates using background refresh, timeline providers for future data, deep linking to specific app screens, and complication privacy settings. Our Map My Tracks app offers multiple complication styles showing workout stats, progress toward goals, and quick-start buttons.

We implement best practices including efficient background updates to preserve battery, meaningful placeholder data, graceful degradation when data unavailable, testing across all watch faces, and compliance with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines. Complications typically add £5K-£10K to development costs and take 2-3 weeks to implement properly across all complication families.

GPS accuracy on wearables depends on device hardware, software optimisation, and environmental conditions. Modern wearables achieve 5-10 meter accuracy under good conditions, with Apple Watch, Garmin, and high-end Wear OS devices offering the best performance.

We optimise GPS accuracy through intelligent sampling strategies (1-second intervals for precision, dynamic adjustment for battery), sensor fusion combining GPS with accelerometer and gyroscope, algorithm smoothing to remove GPS noise, elevation correction using barometric altimeter, and map matching for road/trail activities. Map My Tracks has tracked over 100 million workouts with industry-leading GPS accuracy.

Factors affecting accuracy include tree cover, buildings, weather conditions, and device quality. Our testing process includes real-world validation across varied terrain and conditions to ensure reliable tracking for running, cycling, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Battery optimisation is critical for wearable apps. We implement aggressive power management including efficient GPS sampling (dynamic sampling rates, pause detection, automatic stopping), smart sensor activation (only enabling sensors when needed, batch processing readings), background processing minimisation, efficient algorithms (optimised workout calculations, compressed data storage), Bluetooth Low Energy communication, and display optimisation.

Map My Tracks users regularly track 8+ hour ultra marathons, century bike rides, and all-day hikes on a single charge through careful battery optimization. Our testing process measures actual battery drain during real workouts across different device models, use cases, and settings to ensure users can complete their longest activities.

Typical battery life with our optimisation: 8-12 hours continuous GPS tracking on Apple Watch, 15-25 hours on Garmin devices, and 10-15 hours on Wear OS depending on device model.

Yes, wearable apps typically need companion phone apps for complete user experiences. We build iOS and Android companion apps providing detailed workout analysis and maps, settings and preferences management, training plan creation, social features and challenges, historical data viewing, workout export and sharing, and account management.

The companion app handles complex interfaces unsuitable for wearable screens, manages cloud sync, provides detailed visualizations, and offers features like route planning and workout customization. Most users start workouts on their wearable but review detailed analytics on their phone afterward.

We design seamless handoff between devices with automatic sync when devices connect, background data transfer, and consistent user experiences across platforms. Companion apps typically cost £15K-£40K and take 8-12 weeks to develop alongside the wearable app.

Yes, well-designed wearable apps must work offline since users often leave phones at home during workouts. We implement robust offline capabilities including local workout recording and storage, on-device route navigation, cached map tiles for offline maps, workout music storage, and background sync when reconnected.

Apple Watch with cellular can operate completely independently, syncing directly to cloud when connected. GPS-only watches store data locally and sync when paired with phone. Our architecture ensures no workout data is ever lost regardless of connectivity, with intelligent retry logic and conflict resolution.

Map My Tracks users regularly record workouts in remote locations without phone or internet connectivity, with all data syncing seamlessly when back in range. Offline capability is essential for hiking, trail running, and backcountry activities.

Wearable devices have vastly different screen sizes and shapes. We design adaptive layouts supporting Apple Watch (40mm, 41mm, 44mm, 45mm, 49mm sizes plus square aspect ratio), Garmin devices (circular and rectangular displays from 1.0" to 1.4"), Fitbit screens (rectangular and square), Wear OS devices (circular and rectangular in various sizes), and band-style fitness trackers with very limited displays.

Our design process creates flexible layouts using native UI frameworks (SwiftUI for watchOS, Compose for Wear OS), responsive grids and stacks, size-specific layouts for small vs large screens, circular-optimized designs for round watches, and essential-information-first prioritization. We test on actual devices across the size spectrum to ensure readable, usable interfaces during workouts.

Every design is validated during physical activity - running, cycling, swimming - to ensure glanceability and usability in motion with sweaty fingers and varying lighting conditions.

Successful wearable apps balance technical capability with exceptional user experience. Critical success factors include clear primary use case (workout tracking, health monitoring, notifications) designed for glanceable information, fast launch and responsive interactions (users won't wait during workouts), robust battery optimization allowing all-day or multi-hour usage, accurate sensor data users can trust, seamless sync across devices and platforms, and offline capability for phone-free operation.

From our Map My Tracks experience, adoption depends on immediate value (first workout must work perfectly), reliability (no crashes during important activities), battery efficiency (users fear draining their watch), and ecosystem integration (HealthKit, activity rings, complications). Failed wearable apps typically suffer from poor battery life, inaccurate sensors, confusing interfaces, or trying to do too much.

Focus relentlessly on your core use case, optimise battery life obsessively, test during real activities, and integrate naturally with the platform. Wearables succeed when they disappear into users' daily routines rather than demanding attention.

Some of our latest work

Coffee Dog Company - Specialty coffee delivery app by Tinderhouse

Coffee Dog Company

App design, Android app development, iPhone app development, Content management, UX & design
D&D Carpentry - Field workforce management app by Tinderhouse

D&D Carpentry

App design, Android app development, iPhone app development, Content management, User experience, UX & design
GSL Eastern - Professional website development by Tinderhouse

GSL Eastern

Content management, Search engine optimisation, User experience, Responsive layout, UX & design, Web site development
Athena - Project management app by Tinderhouse

Athena

App design, Content management, User experience, UX & design
Business for London - Business website by Tinderhouse

Business for London

Content management, User experience, UX & design, Web site development
Urban Sole Orchestra - Entertainment website by Tinderhouse

Urban Soul Orchestra

Content management, Strategy, User experience, Web site development

Check out what our clients say about working with Tinderhouse.