AirPods Pro 3 may launch this fall with heart-rate tracking

Apple is set to launch the AirPods Pro 3 later this year, with built-in heart rate monitoring as a potential new feature, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The wireless earbuds are expected to debut this fall alongside other updated Apple hardware.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reiterated that Apple is working on a third-generation AirPods Pro model with health-tracking capabilities, specifically heart rate sensors. This feature debuted earlier this year on the Powerbeats Pro 2, which uses LED optical sensors to monitor blood flow in the ear.

Apple states that these sensors pulse over 100 times per second to detect heart rate. They can sync data with the Apple Health app. A similar system is expected in the AirPods Pro 3, allowing fitness tracking for those without a smartwatch. However, this feature may be redundant if you already have an Apple Watch or equivalent device. The Apple Watch provides more accurate heart-rate data since it sits on the wrist, and if you are wearing both, health apps will default to using Apple Watch data.

One limitation we noted with the heart rate sensors in the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the inability to stream music and send heart rate data to gym equipment simultaneously. Users had to choose between audio playback and biometric syncing. Hopefully, the AirPods Pro 3 won’t require the same compromise.

Besides heart rate tracking, we expect the new AirPods Pro to have upgrades in sound quality, active noise cancelation, and design. Aside from highlighting Apple’s focus on health integration and ecosystem compatibility, no specifics were confirmed in the Bloomberg report.

The current AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022 and saw a minor refresh in 2023 with a USB-C charging case. A fall 2025 release would mark three years since their debut, fitting Apple’s usual update cycle for premium audio gear.