AirPods Pro 3: A Fitness Tracker Hiding Inside Your Earbuds

Does the Heart-Rate Tracking Actually Work?

Early feedback from people using the workout tracking day to day is that it holds up reasonably well against a chest strap or watch for steady-state activity like running or cycling. Like most optical sensors, it becomes less reliable during very fast, jerky movements, which is consistent with how this technology behaves generally.

No Watch Required for Basic Tracking

The ability to log a workout using just the earbuds, without needing an Apple Watch, is one of the most repeated positives. For people who don't already own a watch, this removes a real barrier to getting basic training data during a run or gym session.

Fit and Comfort Changes

The redesigned tips, including a new extra-small size, address a long-standing complaint from smaller-eared users who struggled with previous generations. Several owners specifically mention the mesh redesign improving airflow and reducing that sealed, pressurised feeling during longer wear.

Where the Core Experience Stays the Same

Noise cancellation and call quality remain close to what the previous generation offered — strong, but not a dramatic leap. If you're upgrading purely for sound quality rather than the health features, some owners feel the difference is incremental rather than essential.

Who Gets the Most Value Here

If you already work out with earbuds in and want basic training data without another device on your wrist, the added sensors are a genuine practical upgrade. If fitness tracking isn't a priority, the fit and airflow improvements alone may still be worth it depending on how the previous generation felt for you.