Customer Reviews (101)

bo gears • 2025-03-17T21:35:52-07:00

Having used other c25k apps, I find that this app is by far the simplest app for me! Intuitive watch interface, ability to interface with phone and music apps easily, and with good integration with Apple health. On week 6 and looking forward to hitting that 5k!

dk58345 • 2025-03-15T10:53:54-07:00

I can’t get the audio prompts to play in the earphones. I have gone through all of the troubleshooting steps, but it will not function with Apple AirPods Pro. The other apps have no problem playing prompts into earphones

Kmbvt10 • 2025-03-11T04:12:32-07:00

I love the app. I love not needing my phone. My only note for improvement is that there is a delay between the walks/runs on occasion for me which can be frustrating when time is an issue.

Summary of Key Insights

  • The "Watch to 5K" app enjoys overwhelmingly positive sentiment, primarily due to its focus on Apple Watch independence, ease of use, and single purchase model. Users appreciate the app's simplicity and effectiveness in helping them progress towards running a 5K. The ability to run without carrying a phone is a major selling point.
  • The app's strengths lie in its intuitive watch interface, integration with Apple Health, and effective coaching prompts. However, some users experience issues with audio prompts, unit preferences (km vs. miles), and occasional bugs.
  • Overall Rating: High (majority of reviews are 5-star).
  • Score Distribution: 5-star (75.25%), 4-star (13.86%), 3-star (4.95%), 2-star (3.96%), 1-star (1.98%).

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 101 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but based on the version number and included comments, the reviews appear to be recent.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis based on review scores and content analysis focused on identifying recurring themes, user pain points, feature requests, and positive feedback. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned terms and phrases.

Key User Pain Points

  • Audio Prompt Issues: Several users report problems with audio prompts not playing through earphones (especially AirPods Pro) or watch speakers, despite troubleshooting. This is a significant usability issue.
  • Unit Preference (Kilometers vs. Miles): Many users prefer to see distance and pace in miles rather than kilometers and find it inconvenient to have to switch the setting for each run.
  • Haptic Feedback Weakness: Some users find the haptic feedback for run/walk transitions too subtle, requiring them to constantly check their watch.
  • App Freezing/Crashing: A few users experienced the app freezing or crashing mid-workout, leading to lost progress.
  • Heart Rate Data During Warm-up/Cool-down: Lack of heart rate data during warm-up and cool-down phases.

Frequently Requested Features

  • 10K and Half-Marathon/Marathon Training Plans: Many users who completed the 5K program requested expansion packs for longer distances.
  • Permanent Unit Preference (Miles): A global setting to default to miles instead of kilometers.
  • Customizable Voice/Audio Prompts: Options for different announcer voices or simple beeps.
  • More Prominent Haptic Feedback: Stronger or customizable haptic alerts for run/walk transitions.
  • Interval Pace Display: Ability to see current pace during run intervals, not just the overall workout pace.
  • Music Controls During Warm-up/Cool-down: Access to music controls during the warm-up and cool-down phases.
  • Extended 5K Time Option: Option to extend the 30-minute 5K target time for users who need more time.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Watch Independence: The ability to run without a phone is a major draw. Users appreciate the app's native Apple Watch functionality.
  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: The app is praised for its straightforward interface and ease of navigation.
  • Effectiveness: Users report success in progressing towards running a 5K using the app's structured program.
  • Apple Health Integration: Seamless integration with Apple Health for tracking progress and activity goals.
  • One-Time Purchase: The lack of subscription fees is a significant advantage over competing apps.
  • Clear and Motivating Prompts: Users appreciate the clear audio prompts and motivating messages.
  • Music Integration: Smooth integration with music apps, with automatic volume "dipping" for prompts.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Audio Prompt Issues: Investigate and resolve the audio prompt problems with AirPods Pro and watch speakers. This is a critical usability issue affecting a significant number of users.
  • Implement Permanent Unit Preference (Miles): Add a global setting to allow users to default to miles instead of kilometers.
  • Improve Haptic Feedback: Increase the strength or customizability of haptic feedback for run/walk transitions.

Medium Priority:

  • Address App Freezing/Crashing: Investigate and fix the reported app freezing and crashing issues.
  • Add 10K Training Plan: Develop and release a 10K training plan as a paid expansion pack.
  • Add Interval Pace Display: Provide the ability to view current pace during run intervals.
  • Music Controls During Warm-up/Cool-down: Add access to music controls during warm-up and cool-down.

Low Priority:

  • Customizable Voice/Audio Prompts: Offer options for different announcer voices or simple beeps.
  • Extended 5K Time Option: Allow users to extend the 30-minute 5K target time.
  • Heart Rate Data During Warm-up/Cool-down: Display heart rate data during the warm-up and cool-down phases.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Expand to Other Training Programs: Create similar watch-centric training apps for other fitness goals, such as half-marathons, marathons, cycling, or swimming.
  • Personalized Training Plans: Develop an algorithm that personalizes the C25K program based on user fitness level and progress.
  • Community Features: Add social features, such as the ability to connect with other runners and share progress.

Trends and Observations

  • Focus on Watch Independence: The dominant trend is the strong preference for a running app that works independently on the Apple Watch without requiring a phone.
  • Desire for Simplicity: Users value a clean, easy-to-use interface without unnecessary features or subscriptions.
  • Positive Sentiment: The overwhelmingly positive sentiment indicates a high level of user satisfaction with the app's core functionality.
  • Requests for Expansion: The frequent requests for 10K and other training plans suggest a strong opportunity for future growth.

Conclusion

The "Watch to 5K" app is a well-received and effective tool for beginners looking to start running. Its focus on Apple Watch independence, simplicity, and a one-time purchase model are key differentiators. Addressing the identified pain points, particularly the audio prompt issues and unit preference, and adding requested features like a 10K training plan will further enhance the user experience and drive continued success. Overall, the app is highly recommended for its target audience.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/watch-to-5k-couch-to-5km-plan/id1517914828?uo=2