AirPods Pro 3: Apple’s Exciting Health Upgrade with Heart Monitor in 2022

Apple is persistently advancing its AirPods towards becoming a health-centric device by incorporating a variety of features. With the launch of the AirPods Pro 2 which features a hearing aid, approved by the FDA, this accessory now doubles as an over-the-counter hearing aid. However, Apple’s innovation does not stop here. Anticipated to debut next year, the AirPods Pro 3 is rumored to come equipped with a heart rate sensor compatible with gym equipment.

Turning AirPods into a Health-focused Accessory

The mission of Apple is to transform the AirPods into a device that consumers can use as a health-focused accessory, potentially replacing the need for an Apple Watch. As mentioned in Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the heart rate monitor for the AirPods Pro 3 is at the “early development” stage within the company.

AirPods Pro 3: An Extension of the Apple Watch

This new feature on the AirPods Pro 3 is not intended to overshadow the Apple Watch market but rather to extend its capabilities to more users. The addition of the heart rate monitor to the AirPods might appeal to users who do not prefer wearing their Apple Watch to the gym. While user preference plays a significant role in this, the company could possibly add more fitness features to the accessory in the future.

Accuracy of Heart Rate Monitoring on AirPods Pro 3

However, the heart rate monitoring feature on the AirPods Pro 3 may have a few shortcomings. Internal testing from the company has shown a higher accuracy of results from the Apple Watch’s sensor. The limited internal space of the AirPods Pro 3 due to its smaller size might contribute to this. It’s unclear whether the company will employ a smaller version of the same sensor used in the Apple Watch or an entirely different one.

The Future of Workout Heart Rate Monitoring

Beyond the AirPods Pro 3, Apple is also speculated to introduce workout heart rate monitoring to other devices. Recent findings suggest that users will be able to link the Powerbeats Pro 2 with gym equipment to monitor their heart rate. Just like the AirPods Pro 3, the data could be synced with the Health app on the iPhone.

Concurrently with the AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is also expected to be released next year. While the company’s announcement regarding the new earbuds is still to be made, it’s anticipated that these accessories will be unveiled alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Stay tuned for more information on the AirPods Pro 3.