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The AirPods Pro 3 are confirmed to feature in-ear heart rate sensing. Alongside iOS 26 updates to the iPhone's Fitness app, users can now start a workout session in the app and use the Pro 3 earbuds to track heart rate, time spent exercising, and calories burned. They can close their Move ring, and earn rewards in the app -- no Watch needed.
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It's a massive upgrade for people who habitually use the free Fitness app tier. It's an even more welcomed upgrade if you're like me and fitness tracking is the only reason you're tethered to your Apple Watch. If the AirPods Pro 3's fitness tracking features work as well as Apple says they will, here's why they'll make me retire my Apple Watch for good.
One less device to consider
When I go to the gym, my tech arsenal consists of my iPhone 16, Apple Watch SE 2, and AirPods Pro 2. I appreciate my Apple Watch only for its fitness and sleep tracking capabilities, so I opted for the no-frills SE 2 model. My AirPods serve as a vessel for listening to music, canceling the noise from the busy gym, and taking a hands-free call on my way home.
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The AirPods Pro 3's new heart rate sensing feature will allow me to combine what I love most about my Apple Watch with my AirPods, which are undoubtedly my favorite iOS satellite device. Combining both devices will enable me to only worry about remembering to bring, charge, and clean the sweat from one device — I consider that a game-changer.
Other essential features from my Watch, like Crash Detection and basic sleep tracking metrics, are available on my iPhone.
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