Apple already launched track mode in the U.S. back in December, as well as in Australia, Germany, Canada, Italy, and the U.K. in February. The company will likely continue to expand this rollout to other countries.
Track mode enables a more accurate GPS map, down to the exact lane you’re running in. When you fire up an “outdoor run,” the screen prompts you to select your lane, which results in more precise distance measurements.
Apple’s track mode differs from that of other watch brands in that it uses Apple Maps data, whereas competitors use a learning algorithm to detect a running track. And an Apple Watch detects the moment you step onto a track, while other watches require running two laps before the device can pair with the surface.