AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate sensor: how they work in workouts

When Apple announced that it would integrate a heart sensor into the AirPods Pro 3the first reaction was skepticism. The ear as a point of detection of the heart rate? Yet, after a few days of testing, we can say that this little revolution really works. Hidden sensor on the front of the headset emits pulses of infrared light 256 times per second to read blood flow. A technology that, for the first time, allows you to track workouts without wearing devices on your wrist and using only earphones. And that’s not the only news: Apple has completely rethought the internal design, now offering five sizes of rubber tips (from XXS to L, compared to the previous three) and an IP57 resistance that finally allows you to train without worries even in the most intense conditions.

live beats

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The difference with the previous generation is immediately noticeable. During our testing, we directly compared the Pro 3 to the Pro 2: stability in the ear is significantly improved, thanks to the new angled design and the infused foam eartips that adapt better to the ear canal. But it’s the heart sensor that changes everything. Simply put on the earbuds, start a workout from the Fitness app on iPhone, and heart rate tracking immediately begins. To get full support and real-time data viewing, you need an iPhone updated to iOS 26 (or later) and a compatible app.

We tested this feature during a treadmill session, a gym workout, and a long urban walk. Accuracy proved consistent: Apple’s algorithm combines optical sensor readings with accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS data integrated, creating a monitoring system that works for over 50 different business types.

for urban runners

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One of the most useful new features for those who run outdoors is the mode Transparency improved. Compared to the Pro 2, the new system filters wind noise better and amplifies the necessary sounds in a more natural way: approaching cars, the calls of other runners, the indications of the navigator. During a brisk walk downtown, for example, we could clearly hear side traffic while keeping the music at a comfortable volume, without the artificial sensation that often accompanies these technologies.

Apple recommends enabling spatial audio customization in iOS settings and turning off automatic volume control to make the most of the new sound capabilities. And the effect is truly immersive, with the music seeming to come from all over the surrounding space rather than directly from your ears. If you own an Apple Watch, the experience becomes even more refined. The two devices do not compete, but collaborate intelligently. During our tests with both devices worn, the Fitness app displayed a single stream of data, automatically choosing the most reliable source moment by moment. But it is not essential: for those who do not have a smartwatch, The Pro 3 offers a smart way to start tracking workouts without needing any other devices.

not just sports

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The Pros 3 they are not just a fitness tool. Active noise cancellation, which Apple claims is twice as effective as the previous generation, is also useful in non-workout moments. We tested them during a trip on a Frecciarossa crowded on a Friday afternoon, among lively children and loud phone calls. Result: once the noise cancellation was activated, all the noise disappeared. It’s not magic, it’s engineering: the new multi-port acoustic architecture controls airflow that carries the sound, while ultra-low noise microphones do the rest. The result is an (almost) silence that allows you to work, read or simply relax even in the most chaotic environments.

Like any technology, the AirPods Pro 3 also have their constraints. The heart sensor works exclusively with the Apple ecosystem – Fitness apps and some supported third-party apps – but does not transmit via Bluetooth to gym machines. Those who frequent fitness centers with equipment that connect to heart rate monitors will still have to carry a chest strap. The fit, then, remains fundamental: if the earphones are not the right size or move during exercise, the data becomes unreliable. For this reason, Apple recommends performing the eartip fit test in your iPhone settings before you start exercising – a tip we found very helpful. However, the 5 sizes of eartips available solve most fit problems, as long as you take the time to find the right one.

THE’autonomy with active monitoring it is reduced to around 6-7 hours compared to the 8 hours of standard music listening, still sufficient for most daily workouts. The IP57 resistance, another significant upgrade compared to previous generations, allows you to train without worries even during very intense sessions or when it rains, but obviously they are not designed for water sports. A limit that at least saves us the hassle of receiving calls while swimming.