Apple is gearing up to enhance its health-focused offerings with the launch of the Air Pods Pro 3 next year. The new earbuds are rumored to include a heart rate monitoring feature, potentially allowing users to track their vitals without relying on an Apple Watch. According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the feature is currently in its “early development” stage at Apple.
Rather than competing directly with the Apple Watch, Apple aims to make advanced health tracking more accessible to a broader audience. The AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate monitoring capability could prove especially useful for fitness enthusiasts who prefer not to wear a watch during workouts. This addition aligns with Apple’s vision of transforming the AirPods into a versatile health and fitness companion.
However, early testing has revealed some challenges. The accuracy of heart rate monitoring on the AirPods Pro 3 reportedly falls short of the Apple Watch, likely due to the limited internal space in the smaller earbuds. Apple has yet to confirm whether it will use a scaled-down version of the Apple Watch’s sensor or a different technology entirely.
In addition to heart rate tracking, rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 3 could feature enhanced workout capabilities, potentially syncing seamlessly with gym equipment. This technology has already been linked to Apple’s Powerbeats Pro 2, which may also support heart rate monitoring for fitness sessions. Data collected by these devices is expected to integrate with the Health app on the iPhone, offering users a unified health tracking experience.
The AirPods Pro 3 could mark a significant step forward in Apple’s mission to create a comprehensive health ecosystem. By incorporating features traditionally reserved for the Apple Watch, these earbuds may redefine what users expect from wearable technology. As development progresses, more details about Apple’s plans are likely to emerge, hinting at an exciting future for its health-focused devices.
