New health features and Live Transcription make Apple’s new earphones more useful than ever.
AirPods Pro 3: Heart rate sensors and workout integration
Two of the key new features don’t involve the listening experience at all, but are helpful for keeping an eye on your personal health.
The first is a new heart-rate sensor. Apple debuted a heart-rate sensor in the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earlier this year, and a new version of it makes its way to the AirPods Pro 3. Apple says it’s the smallest custom-built heart rate sensor, and it can continuously measure your heart rate during a workout.
The AirPods Pro 3 also has integration with workouts using the Fitness app. Users can start up to 50 different workout types using the AirPods Pro 3 and track their heart rate, close rings, and keep track of burned calories. The AirPods Pro 3 also feature IP57 sweat and water resistance, so when you’re workout is getting heated, you don’t have to worry about your earphones being able to handle the extra moisture.
I’m also interested to see how the heart-rate monitor and workouts compare to the Apple Watch. It sounds like it works similarly, but the support that the AirPods 3 Pro provide might be enough for a lot of users, especially those who are looking for a more affordable heart rate monitor and workout device than an Apple Watch (or you’re like me and don’t like wearing watches).
