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Introduction
Apple’s latest innovation is shaking up the wearables market: the AirPods Pro 3 now come with in-ear heart rate sensing, a feature once exclusive to the Apple Watch. This integration with iOS 26 and the Fitness app means users can track workouts, monitor calories, and close their Move rings — all without strapping on a watch. For many, this raises a provocative question: do we still need the Apple Watch if our earbuds can now do the job?
The move signals Apple’s growing push to expand the AirPods’ role beyond just an audio accessory. With health and fitness functions baked in, the AirPods Pro 3 may not only reduce device clutter but also blur the lines between earbuds and wearable fitness trackers.
the Original
The AirPods Pro 3 introduce in-ear heart rate sensors, allowing users to start workouts directly in the iPhone’s Fitness app. They can track exercise time, calories burned, and heart rate without needing an Apple Watch. For those who only use the Watch for fitness, this could be a game-changer.
Traditionally, a gym-goer might carry an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. With the Pro 3’s new features, that setup shrinks to just an iPhone and AirPods. The earbuds combine the best of both devices— music playback, noise cancellation, calls, and now health tracking—while eliminating the need for multiple gadgets.
Apple previously tested this concept with Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, but the execution fell short due to app restrictions, accuracy issues, and poor integration. The AirPods Pro 3, however, enjoy native iOS compatibility, delivering seamless access to Fitness app features without requiring subscriptions.
The Workout Buddy AI companion adds a personalized touch, analyzing past performance and offering tailored insights. Users no longer need the Apple Watch to close activity rings or get meaningful workout summaries.
When it comes to accuracy, the AirPods Pro 3 appear superior to previous models. Their PPG sensors pulse 256 times per second, compared to 100 times in the Beats version. While the Apple Watch still has more sophisticated sensors, many people prefer the simplicity of AirPods, especially if they don’t want notifications and constant reminders about lifestyle habits.
This shift suggests that Apple is repositioning AirPods as health and fitness tools, not just entertainment devices. From hearing aid features in Pro 2 to workout tracking in Pro 3, the earbuds are evolving into a central part of Apple’s wellness ecosystem—potentially rivaling or replacing the Watch for casual users.
What Undercode Say:
The arrival of the AirPods Pro 3 with built-in heart rate monitoring is more than just a product update — it’s a strategic pivot. Apple is subtly acknowledging that not every consumer wants to wear a watch 24/7. By embedding health features into AirPods, Apple is tapping into a vast demographic: those who already own AirPods but don’t see the need for an Apple Watch.
From a consumer perspective, this is brilliant. One device now covers multiple needs: fitness tracking, music, calls, and noise cancellation. Less clutter, fewer chargers, and fewer daily reminders to strap something onto your wrist. Convenience is a powerful selling point, especially when Apple’s ecosystem thrives on integration.
From a business standpoint, this move could impact Apple Watch sales. The Watch has long been marketed as a fitness and health companion. If AirPods can now replace its most-used functions, casual users may skip the Watch entirely. That said, the Apple Watch still holds an edge for advanced health metrics (like ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep stages). This creates a natural market segmentation:
AirPods Pro 3 → Casual fitness enthusiasts, music lovers, and minimalists.
Apple Watch → Power users, health-conscious individuals, and those who want comprehensive monitoring.
There’s also a psychological factor at play. Many people find the Apple Watch overwhelming—buzzing with notifications, nudges about standing, or reminders of inactivity. AirPods, on the other hand, feel less intrusive. They blend into everyday life, making health tracking more subtle and user-friendly.
Accuracy remains a concern. While Apple claims 256 pulses per second, we’ll need real-world data to confirm how well it performs during intense workouts. If the results are as precise as promised, Apple could trigger a shift in wearable adoption trends. Earbuds could become the new baseline for fitness tracking, with watches reserved for specialists or enthusiasts.
Another interesting angle is AI integration. The Workout Buddy AI hints at Apple’s broader push to personalize health. This aligns with Apple’s AI strategy across devices, where contextual, adaptive feedback becomes a core selling point.
Long term, this could mean Apple is moving towards a multi-device health web, where iPhone, AirPods, and Watch each play a role, but none is strictly necessary. That flexibility makes the ecosystem more appealing and accessible to a wider audience.
In short, the AirPods Pro 3 may not kill the Apple Watch outright, but they certainly redefine its necessity. For many, the Watch will shift from “essential” to “optional”—a massive change in Apple’s wearables hierarchy.
🔍 Fact Checker Results
✅ AirPods Pro 3 confirmed to have in-ear heart rate sensors.
✅ iOS 26 Fitness app update includes Workout Buddy AI integration.
❌ Apple Watch is not entirely replaceable—advanced metrics like ECG remain exclusive.
📊 Prediction
The AirPods Pro 3 will likely cannibalize entry-level Apple Watch sales, especially the SE models, within the next two years. Apple will respond by pushing the Watch deeper into medical-grade territory, while positioning AirPods as the everyday fitness accessory. This could ultimately expand the wearables market rather than shrink it, as Apple appeals to both minimalists and power users in parallel.
🕵️📝✔️Let’s dive deep and fact‑check.
References:
Reported By: www.zdnet.com
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