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Apple Watch App vanishes after recent update


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Hello.. I just updated the GC app and afterwards the GC app on my Apple Watch is gone. I can't find it in preferences anymore to activate it on the watch. I've already downloaded it again but still no success. Does anybody else experience this problem? Thank you very much in advance!

 

Same thing here. Something broke in the last update.

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

 

Ah great. My partner and I each bought an Apple Watch 2 last week partly because of geocaching, and now that it has its own GPS I suspect we won't be the only ones. Disappointing to hear it is on the back burner.

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

Thank you. :)

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

 

I have very a bit of an understanding on how to make an app for Watch OS3 that would work like the old one, is there any chance I could have an API key to test this out?

 

I'd be more than happy to hand the app over to you once it's done, the app was one of the selling points for the watch and the fact i can't use it isn't great!

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I'm on the cusp of buying a fitness tracker. All those with the features I desire are fairly pricey and tend to get not great reviews for use with Apple apps! This has led me to consider spending a bit more to get the Apple Watch which does what I want in fitness tracking and, of course, all those other smart watch things. If this app was available for caching, especially with the built in GPS in the series 2 watches, this would be a total no-brainer! Please add my voice to those who would use the app!

Edited by NashvilleJoe
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Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad that some people found it useful, and others should feel free to chime in if they found the watch app useful. We do watch the forums and it is one of many data points we use when planning out our roadmap.

 

It's unfortunate we had to remove it, and we may revisit that in the future, but as was mentioned before, we would have had to rewrite it from scratch and really want to focus on adding some of the core missing features before looking back into the watch app. So I wouldn't expect to see anything for a while.

 

Incidentally, the old app would not have been able to take advantage to the built in GPS in the Series 2 watch anyway, as WatchOS 1 apps actually run on the phone rather than the watch.

 

I'm curious to hear: How were people using the watch app before it was removed? Were there features that were more or less useful? We were never happy with the navigation functionality, for example. Because the watch lacks a compass (same with the Series 2), the compass arrow was based on your track (you had to be in motion to get it to update) and was neither very responsive nor accurate.

 

As far as access to the API, we appreciate the offer but unfortunately we aren't accepting new API partners at this time.

 

Thanks again for the feedback!

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You guys should really have made this information more publicly available!!!

 

It's taken me hours to find out what happened to the watch app, and there are other cachers here in the U.K. wondering exactly the same thing! A Google search turned up nothing on this subject, which completely baffled me, as Geocaching is one of my few hobbies that is generally well supported by the originators (Groundspeak in this case).

 

I've just spent two full days geocaching whilst wearing my Apple Watch, but was at a loss for not being able to use the app! Come on people, get your acts together - you're seriously missing a trick here with the Watch.

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Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad that some people found it useful, and others should feel free to chime in if they found the watch app useful. We do watch the forums and it is one of many data points we use when planning out our roadmap.

 

It's unfortunate we had to remove it, and we may revisit that in the future, but as was mentioned before, we would have had to rewrite it from scratch and really want to focus on adding some of the core missing features before looking back into the watch app. So I wouldn't expect to see anything for a while.

 

Incidentally, the old app would not have been able to take advantage to the built in GPS in the Series 2 watch anyway, as WatchOS 1 apps actually run on the phone rather than the watch.

 

I'm curious to hear: How were people using the watch app before it was removed? Were there features that were more or less useful? We were never happy with the navigation functionality, for example. Because the watch lacks a compass (same with the Series 2), the compass arrow was based on your track (you had to be in motion to get it to update) and was neither very responsive nor accurate.

 

As far as access to the API, we appreciate the offer but unfortunately we aren't accepting new API partners at this time.

 

Thanks again for the feedback!

 

I'm rather more than simply disappointed to learn this today. I will add my voice to the chorus of people that bought an Apple Watch partly with Geocaching in mind. It literally was only one item on a list of justifications for it, but it was the most "fun" reason on that list. I promise to try and set my anger and frustration aside and answer your specific questions. I will be honest and report that I had not noticed the app was gone because it pairs only with the new free Geocaching App, which I hate to use because several of the most critical features still are missing . I still continue to always use the original, classic (PAID!) app on my iPhone.

 

I always understood that the watch did not have a compass. Here is how I used it, and how I would like to use it in future. When I am hiking and gathering a number of caches on foot, I find a cache, log it on my phone, and then set the next destination. Sometimes I need the compass to navigate, but since most of my caching is urban/suburban, the navigation is often simple. All I really need is to know how much distance I need yet to travel. Rather than continuing to check my phone as I walk, it would be perfect if I have the app set to find a cache, that the watch would give me a tap at preset distance(s) from the cache.

 

Off topic, but still important: The most important missing feature of the new Geocaching app for iOS is the simpler and more intuitive interface of the Classic Premium app. Every time I pull out on the map and it shows me a circled "3" instead of three individual hides, I grind my teeth to stifle an angry shout and close the app in frustration.

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My Dad, who is in his 70s, is one of your biggest fans. Since his retirement 10 years ago, he has been geocaching with his brother just about every day. I got him an Apple Watch as a gift for the sole purpose that he can use it with the Geocaching app, and to take advantage of the emergency contact feature in WatchOS (he once fell in the woods when he was Geocaching alone).

 

I'm disappointed to hear that the Watch app has been removed and that plans for future Apple Watch support have been scrapped. In this day and age, most companies are embracing new technology and advancing the UI experience. Here's to hoping that Groundspeak will continue to be one of those companies.

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...I'm disappointed to hear that the Watch app has been removed and that plans for future Apple Watch support have been scrapped. In this day and age, most companies are embracing new technology and advancing the UI experience. Here's to hoping that Groundspeak will continue to be one of those companies.

They didn't say they were "scrapped" (as per Post #3), simply that they felt the masses would like to have the mobile apps completed before the few using a specialty device get a "complete rewrite" to make it work. :)

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Oh, no. My AppleWatch arrived yesterday. One of the main selling points was that I could run the geocaching app.

Was wondering why I can't run the app on the watch till I found this thread.

 

At least a "warn me near cache" and a small map would be very useful. We like to do long hikes, and it's nice to get a small notification once you need to take out the phone and start searching.

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I almost bought the new Apple Watch today exclusively for caching. I'm sure I would use it for other things eventually but first and foremost to geocache. I often find myself in situations where taking my phone out of my pocket is a terrible idea. A lot of times when I go caching with my crew we go after certain caches and we usually end up looking for others that I don't have on my GPS and I have to use my phone. I'd much rather be on a rock pile or a railroad trestle over the water looking at a description on my wrist then trying to keep from dropping my iPhone 6s and losing or breaking it. I could leave my phone in my backpack and not even have to worry about it being in my pocket. I've also gotten into kayak caching and with the watch, I could leave my phone in the dry bag and not have to clip my GPS on and off my life jacket every time we would navigate to the next cache. I could just glance at my wrist mid stroke and see where I need to go. Same goes for bicycle caching; sure I could get a handle bar mount but the watch would be easier. I too am not a big fan of the new app and only use it for the google maps function. I still use the classic paid app so I can log trackables in the log itself and not have to go back to the cache description and log each one individually. Anyway, with the new series watch being GPS enabled, there has to be a way to interface the compass. The Garmin watches accept custom waypoints and use compass based navigation but you have to input the coordinates manually and store them one at a time which could be a huge pain. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there who don't check or read the forums here who would feel the same way. I only found this thread by searching to see if I could use the watch for caching before I did go back and buy one. Glad I waited.

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I'm with BobboTeam, I'm still using the old app, I don't see the value in the new app. In fact, was geocaching today on bike (would love to have the geocache for apple watch back) and my buddy was using the new app. I could see a picture in the description which was key to finding the cache. He couldn't see the picture in the description nor could he see the picture in the host's photos list, a real bummer.

I like the old Geocaching App and hope that the Apple Watch app comes back soon.

Thanks,

a member since 2001.

Mike

 

Sllim Chance

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad that some people found it useful, and others should feel free to chime in if they found the watch app useful. We do watch the forums and it is one of many data points we use when planning out our roadmap.

 

It's unfortunate we had to remove it, and we may revisit that in the future, but as was mentioned before, we would have had to rewrite it from scratch and really want to focus on adding some of the core missing features before looking back into the watch app. So I wouldn't expect to see anything for a while.

 

Incidentally, the old app would not have been able to take advantage to the built in GPS in the Series 2 watch anyway, as WatchOS 1 apps actually run on the phone rather than the watch.

 

I'm curious to hear: How were people using the watch app before it was removed? Were there features that were more or less useful? We were never happy with the navigation functionality, for example. Because the watch lacks a compass (same with the Series 2), the compass arrow was based on your track (you had to be in motion to get it to update) and was neither very responsive nor accurate.

 

As far as access to the API, we appreciate the offer but unfortunately we aren't accepting new API partners at this time.

 

Thanks again for the feedback!

 

I'm rather more than simply disappointed to learn this today. I will add my voice to the chorus of people that bought an Apple Watch partly with Geocaching in mind. It literally was only one item on a list of justifications for it, but it was the most "fun" reason on that list. I promise to try and set my anger and frustration aside and answer your specific questions. I will be honest and report that I had not noticed the app was gone because it pairs only with the new free Geocaching App, which I hate to use because several of the most critical features still are missing . I still continue to always use the original, classic (PAID!) app on my iPhone.

 

I always understood that the watch did not have a compass. Here is how I used it, and how I would like to use it in future. When I am hiking and gathering a number of caches on foot, I find a cache, log it on my phone, and then set the next destination. Sometimes I need the compass to navigate, but since most of my caching is urban/suburban, the navigation is often simple. All I really need is to know how much distance I need yet to travel. Rather than continuing to check my phone as I walk, it would be perfect if I have the app set to find a cache, that the watch would give me a tap at preset distance(s) from the cache.

 

Off topic, but still important: The most important missing feature of the new Geocaching app for iOS is the simpler and more intuitive interface of the Classic Premium app. Every time I pull out on the map and it shows me a circled "3" instead of three individual hides, I grind my teeth to stifle an angry shout and close the app in frustration.

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

 

I have just got my Apple Watch too. And when I look at screenshots from your first watch app - it makes me sad that it isn't available anymore. It looks so well designet and usefull! I really really hope (as many other geocachers I can see) to see this coming back to the watch soon! :-)

 

I understand that there's a lot of work in stuff like that (I do develop for these devices too) - but I hope you start thinking the same as me, that it might be worth it ;-) Just think about the comments above, saying that one of the main reasons some people buy the Apple Watch, is because of your brilliant app. That's a huge compliment! Use that as motivation to start developing for the Watch again - if you ask me :-P

 

And once again - thanks for your super app for the iPhone - I enjoy using it every time!

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I configured my new Apple Watch yesterday, and I'm really disappointed that the Watch App has vanished. That app was one of the reasons I bought an Apple Watch in the first place. There is no hint about this issue in Apple's App Store and on iTunes either. On the contrary, all the information about the watch app are still listed there. I'm sorry but this is an information disaster of Groundspeak.

Edited by CaptnSharky
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Count me in for bringing the app back for the Apple Watch 2. I'm getting one for Christmas and it just dawned on me how useful the app would be on a watch with an intrinsic GPS. I started searching the internet to see how the app would work until I found this post.....oh no! I'm guessing that a lot of folks may discover geocaching via their Apple watch if you bring the app back.

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I would also very much like to get the app back. When deciding on which smartwatch to get, I ran into screenshots of the app, and unfortunately did not find out that it no longer exists. The possibility to use the watch while geocaching was one of the deciding factors to get an Apple Watch. It is very unfortunate that it's no longer possible.

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Please Please, don't avoid upgrading your apps and technology because "it's hard"! I am a long-time GPS user and geocacher and have found it almost redundant to even bring along my GPSr anymore. As my phone is more and more capable, my GPSr is gathering dust. The applewatch app would be a slick and conventient way to GC on the phone without having to keep it out in my hand with the screen on. The biggest problem I have these days GCing with my phone is battery life. It kills the battery to leave the screen on the whole time. AYKM?? You don't see the priority in keeping the app? Add my name to the list of people who think having an easy to reference on my wrist app ESSENTIAL to the continuation of GC in a new tech age. I don't need full functionality. A "distance to" and "bearing" screen to read while enroute to (hiking or walking) the cache is all you need. or maybe a "bing or a buzz when I get close. That way you save phone battery. I can pull my phone out and use it again when I get to GZ. No need to have super special watch capability for zeroing things in. Like all other watch apps - I still keep my phone with me, even with Watch 2, a techie isn't gonna leave the phone at home if GCing. Don't need any logging capability or any other fancy stuff... just let me walk and look at my wrist instead of dragging out & opening up the phone, every time I wanna check distance.

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My family had recently went in on an Apple Watch for my birthday, mostly because they knew it had a GPS on it and that there was a geocaching app. I am extremely disappointed that it is no longer available. Maybe a remake of the iWatch app would help raise your apps rating from a 1.5. I am disappointed in Groundspeak and the geocaching company.

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Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

 

The only reason I got the watch was for the Geocaching app. This has wasted my time and money. There is a reason the me app has a rating of 1.5. Geocaching needs to get their stuff together.

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My family had recently went in on an Apple Watch for my birthday, mostly because they knew it had a GPS on it and that there was a geocaching app. I am extremely disappointed that it is no longer available. Maybe a remake of the iWatch app would help raise your apps rating from a 1.5. I am disappointed in Groundspeak and the geocaching company.

Our watch app is a watchOS 1 app. Recent updates to Xcode and watchOS have completely changed how watch apps work, so fixing our watch app would require a complete rewrite. Since we have very few users of the watch app, such changes are on hold while we focus on other aspects of the mobile app. As a result, the watch app will disappear entirely in the next update.

The only reason I got the watch was for the Geocaching app. This has wasted my time and money. There is a reason the me app has a rating of 1.5. Geocaching needs to get their stuff together.

Moun10Bike's post was October '16, stating that at that time it needed a complete rewrite to work, and canned for now.

- The majority of us would like the apps bug-free first thanks. :)

 

Those things aren't cheap, didn't you do any reviews first?

I simply googled "Geocaching with apple watch", and saw the issue of the outdated watchOS 1 app right away. :)

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I missed out on the Apple watch version 1 app. In fact, I missed the first and second apple watches and have their #3 now.

I totally agree with what others are saying about looking at the watch instead of continually looking at and having the phone screen on. I bet that was sweet before it was removed!

I suggest like others are saying... Just keep it simple... An arrow and a vibration when you're close.

 

Cerberus1,

The app will never be "bug free", it's constantly being changed to "improve" it. Just like every other app in the world... Things get "fixed" that weren't broke and those "fixes" cause other breaks.

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16 hours ago, Pilerman said:

I missed out on the Apple watch version 1 app. In fact, I missed the first and second apple watches and have their #3 now.

 -snip -

Cerberus1,

The app will never be "bug free", it's constantly being changed to "improve" it. Just like every other app in the world... Things get "fixed" that weren't broke and those "fixes" cause other breaks.

Yeah, I'll say.   :D   Well, since you picked me...

If you read all the posts from over a year ago, there were core (central or most important) issues with a lot of people and the apps.

A couple dozen people using another avenue, that needed a complete re-write to work simply didn't make sense at the time.   :)

Edited by cerberus1
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In today's newsletter, an article on Cachly said "Apple watch user? Cachly recently added support for the Apple watch so you can cache anytime and anywhere with offline caching capabilities.".

  I didn't find that info on their site, but for someone interested, may be worth an email.  :)

 

Okay, I found a "learn how" link to apple watch in the wiki.

Edited by cerberus1
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I read the same newsletter and have been using Cachly and my iPhone exclusively since 3/17/16 didn’t know about the watch app until I read about it. So this morning I opened the app on my Apple Watch and found a new nearby cache and posted same, worked great.

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My wife has this on her Apple Watch and it's pretty slick. However, this first version does not support multi caches or puzzles, only regulars. It will not navigate to an additional waypoint like the phone app will. Author said that would be added in a future update. Still, as a free download, it is very cool to leave your phone secure in a pocket or purse and just look at your wrist. 

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I would also like to see apple watch app, I’m thinking to get apple watch ant the main reason for that is geocaching. walking in various terrain with 1000$ iPhone X is not very safe and it would be better user experience using a watch for this.. I don’t really want to switch to cachly app, but I’m afraid that I’ll have to..

Edited by ashtri_
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