Why the AirPods Pro 3 Heart Rate Feature Falls Short of Replacing My Apple Watch

Examining the New Feature of AirPods Pro 3

For several years, I've relied on my Apple Watch as a vital companion, especially because of its comprehensive health monitoring capabilities. I value the convenience it offers in tracking not just my current heart rate, but also providing insights into my resting and walking heart rates over time.

At home, my watch often rests on the charger, but it's my must-have accessory whenever I step out for activities like jogging, cycling, gym workouts, or yoga. It meticulously records my heart rate and other metrics during such physical endeavors.

Understanding the AirPods Pro 3's Heart Rate Functionality

Apple is introducing an intriguing new element: a heart rate monitor in the AirPods Pro 3. This system utilizes a special photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that emits infrared light, pulsing at 256 times per second to assess light absorption by blood vessels in the ear. This tech is designed to gauge heart rates by analyzing these light interactions.

However, there's a limitation—the heart rate monitor is intended to activate exclusively during workouts. You can monitor your heart rate, calorie burn, and other stats when engaged with specific exercise routines selected from your iPhone's Fitness app, a third-party app, or possibly the Workout app on an Apple Watch. Unlike the Apple Watch, you cannot manually enable the heart rate feature, restricting its use outside of physical activity.

Why My Apple Watch Remains Essential

Despite the promising features of the AirPods Pro 3, my reliance on the Apple Watch extends far beyond heart rate tracking, especially during sports or exercise. The Apple Watch 10 provides a suite of health functionalities—offering ECG checks, monitoring blood oxygen and blood pressure, detecting if I've fallen, and prompting mindfulness sessions, among others.

Moreover, my watch facilitates music and podcast streaming, phone call management, text messaging, calendar access, and obtaining weather updates, making it indispensable even when my phone isn't within reach.

Though the AirPods Pro 3 presents a blend of advanced technological enhancements, my Apple Watch, with its multifaceted capabilities, remains my preferred device, assuring its position on my wrist for a long time to come.