Apple’s AirPods Pro 3: A New Player in Fitness Tracking
With the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 in 2025, Apple is not just enhancing its audio lineup but making a significant stride into the fitness technology space. The new earbuds introduce heart rate sensing, a feature previously seen in Apple’s Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 but now more widely available to consumers. This development raises questions about how these earbuds might fit alongside the esteemed Apple Watch, particularly the Apple Watch Ultra 3, in the realm of fitness wearables.
Heart Rate Monitoring in a Compact Design
The inclusion of heart rate monitoring in the AirPods Pro 3 allows users to track their heart health without the need for a bulky fitness tracker. Traditionally, heart rate sensors are found in watches and dedicated fitness bands. Now, AirPods Pro 3 offers a more discreet option, potentially appealing to those who prefer a sleeker look while maintaining their workout goals.
“The AirPods Pro 3 can be used alone for health tracking or in conjunction with the Apple Watch for a more enriched fitness experience,”
noted an Apple representative during a recent product launch.
A Comparative Workout Study
To understand how the AirPods Pro 3 perform as a fitness companion, a recent workout study compared data from both the AirPods Pro 3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 while conducting a one-hour strength workout. Here are some of the key findings:
- Duration: The Apple Watch Ultra 3 logged a workout time of 56 minutes and 41 seconds.
- Calories Burned: Users burned 435 active calories and 558 total calories as measured by the Watch.
- Heart Rate: The average heart rate was measured at 118 beats per minute (BPM).
While the AirPods Pro 3 showed promising data on heart rate monitoring, discrepancies in calorie tracking emerged during the study. The Apple Watch, equipped with advanced sensors and motion tracking, appeared to give more reliable calorie burn data, leading testers to lean towards it for precise metrics.
Strengths and Limitations
Despite their limitations, the AirPods Pro 3 displayed commendable heart rate accuracy. During workouts, testers found that the heart rate readings from the AirPods tracked closely with those from the Apple Watch. However, the earbuds do lack the quick glance feature available on the watch interface, making it less convenient for users solely relying on the AirPods for workout data.
“The AirPods Pro 3 are a nice addition for casual fitness enthusiasts who enjoy the blend of music and monitoring,”
commented a fitness tech analyst, suggesting that the earbuds might not satisfy serious athletes seeking comprehensive fitness tracking.
Synergy Between Devices
When used together, the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3 can complement each other effectively. The watch collects data and can serve as the primary heart rate source, while the AirPods provide an additional layer of monitoring. This dual approach can enhance data accuracy, particularly if one device experiences any connectivity issues during workouts.
This collaboration between devices showcases Apple’s strategy of integrating its product ecosystem to provide a seamless experience for users, encouraging them to engage more with their fitness goals while enjoying high-quality audio.
The Bigger Picture
While the AirPods Pro 3 marks a notable advancement in fitness wearables, some experts argue that they may not revolutionize the market. They are seen as a supplementary option rather than a replacement for dedicated fitness trackers. Users serious about monitoring metrics like calorie burn and overall gym performance may still prefer the advanced capabilities of specialized fitness devices.
Nevertheless, for many consumers, the AirPods Pro 3 offers a compelling mix of convenience and added functionality, making them an appealing choice for those who want to combine their love for music with health tracking.