Splits

An interval timer for Apple Watch and iPhone — 11 September 2026

Set a total length and how many parts to divide it into. From then on it shows the time left in the whole session and in the current part, at the same time. It runs on Apple Watch and on iPhone. The Apple Watch app works on its own, so you can leave your iPhone behind.

How to use it

Set Total (1–180 minutes) and Splits (1–12) with the + / − buttons or the Digital Crown. Hold + or − and the number keeps moving.
The length of one part, and the time you'd finish if you started now, appear right there.
Press Start. The first time, it asks for Health permission.
Lower your wrist. It taps you at each part.

What it taps you for

75% through a part — a tap, and the whole screen turns bright amber
End of a part — the same tap, then on to the next part
End of the session — the longest tap, and the Done screen

It's built for outdoors, so the states differ in brightness, not just hue. When one part is very short, the mid-part tap is skipped — it wouldn't mean anything.

Questions

Is it accurate when the screen turns off?

Yes. The time left is worked out from the current clock, not counted down tick by tick, so it stays right even if the screen turns off or the app is suspended.

However, the taps only fire while a workout session is running. That's how watchOS works, and it's what the Health permission is for.

What if I don't allow Health access?

The timer still runs, but taps aren't guaranteed while the screen is off. A note appears on the timer screen when that happens. You can allow it later in Settings → Privacy & Security → Health → Splits on your Apple Watch.

The taps feel weak

Check Settings → Sounds & Haptics → Haptic Strength on your Apple Watch. If that is set low, every app feels weak. Turning on Prominent Haptic on the same screen makes them easier to notice.

Can I open it from the watch face?

Yes. Press and hold the watch face → Edit → the complications page, pick a slot, and choose Splits. If it isn't in the list, restart your Apple Watch once.

Does it make any sound?

No. Taps only. It's meant for places where you don't want noise.

How do I stop partway?

Pause stops the clock — paused time doesn't count. Reset returns to the settings screen.

Can I use it on iPhone only?

Yes. The same timer runs on iPhone. You don't need an Apple Watch.

Can I use it on Apple Watch only?

Yes. You can install it on your Apple Watch without installing the iPhone app. You don't need to carry your iPhone while you practise.

Does it reach me on iPhone when the screen is off?

It sends a notification. It asks for permission the first time. If you decline, the timer still runs, but it can't reach you while the screen is off. The app says so on the timer screen.

Apple Watch doesn't have that limit. Recording the session as a workout is what lets it keep tapping you while your wrist is down.

Contact

Please send questions and bug reports to zzzjjj080@gmail.com. It helps to include your Apple Watch model, your watchOS version, and what you were doing on which screen.