Exploring the AirPods Pro 3 Fitness Feature: A Triathlete's Insights

Are you considering purchasing the latest AirPods Pro 3 specifically for their health and fitness innovations? At least one seasoned reviewer has expressed admiration for the new heart rate sensor introduced with this model.

A triathlete and product evaluator recently provided detailed feedback on these AirPods, covering everything from the unboxing experience to rigorous physical trials. His analysis revolved around putting them to the ultimate test.

To truly assess their mettle, he tested the AirPods Pro 3 across multiple activities like running, biking, and even swimming. With an IP57 classification, they can endure being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for not more than 30 minutes. I'm personally cautious of wearing them while swimming, yet they appeared to withstand his aquatic tests without issue.

Heart Rate Sensor Usage

Post-update of your iOS device, you can open the Fitness app, access the new Workout section, and initiate the configuration process. A list of recordable workouts will appear, each offering three selections. These options include playing music during your workout, activating the Workout Buddy feature for motivational prompts, and starting a workout with preset time or calorie goals.

This brings us to the core innovation: the heart rate sensor of AirPods Pro 3. Once they're comfortably situated in your ears, your iPhone begins recording your heart rate. DC Rainmaker explains the mechanics behind this sensor.

Positioned on the pods' sides are small black patches housing infrared sensors, which flash light 250 times per second. Contrasting with the traditional green LEDs employed in previous models, which proved ineffective, these sensors precisely analyze blood flow within your ears to measure heart activity.

After completing your exercise, data such as the distance covered, calories expended, and average heart rate are displayed on the Fitness app. For iPhones with Live Activity, this information is also accessible on the Lock screen.

Through his comparison tests, DC Rainmaker evaluated the sensor's reliability by matching it with the sensor on the PowerBeats 2 Pro during both indoor and outdoor biking. Indoor cycling results were captured more smoothly on both devices, while outdoor measurements presented greater difficulty due to terrain variations.

However, here is where AirPods Pro 3 demonstrated their capabilities. Despite occasional lapse in detecting heart rate spikes during intense intervals, DC Rainmaker's analysis (illustrated through graphs) showed convincing outcomes.

"Remarkable," noted Maker. "Despite fully anticipating the AirPods Pro 3's limitations, they remarkably surpassed expectations. In contrast to the subpar performance of the PowerBeats 2 Pro earlier this year, Apple's achievement with optical heart rate technology is truly impressive."

DC Rainmaker ultimately concluded: "Apple has developed a notably proficient heart rate monitoring tool within the AirPods. While not flawless, it is nonetheless impressively robust."