Apple is working on AirPods Pro 3 with heart rate measurement
According to noted tech journalist Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is working on a number of health features for future AirPods, including heart rate monitoring and temperature sensors. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the heart rate technology could be ready for the AirPods Pro 3, which are in the “early stages of development” at the company.
If the Apple AirPods Pro 3 get heart rate monitoring, more customers could use the feature for health and fitness purposes without having to wear an Apple Watch. In internal testing, Apple has found that heart rate data on the Apple Watch is “more accurate” than on the AirPods, but the AirPods are “not too far off.”
Apple’s upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 will also offer heart rate monitoring during exercise. Based on lines of code found in iOS 18, you can connect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to fitness equipment like a treadmill to measure heart rate, and the data will be displayed in the Health app and other supported apps on the iPhone.
Apple previously announced that the Powerbeats Pro 2 will launch in 2025. But it’s not entirely clear when the AirPods Pro 3 will launch. As a longer-term goal, Gurman reiterated that Apple plans to add small cameras to future AirPods to enable unspecified AI-powered features. This project is a “priority” for Apple, but is likely still several years away from being ready for market.
