AirPods Pro 3 Revolutionizes Fitness Tracking: Will Apple Watch Be Obsolete?

New AirPods Pro Feature Raises Questions About Apple Watch's Future In a move that could potentially disrupt the wearable market, Apple has confirmed that its latest AirPods Pro 3 will feature in-ear heart rate sensing. This development, combined with iOS 26 updates to the iPhone's Fitness app, allows users to track their physical activity without needing an Apple Watch. According to Jada Jones, Editor of ZDNET, "The AirPods Pro 3's fitness tracking features are a game-changer for people who habitually use the free Fitness app tier. It's an even more welcomed upgrade if you're like me and fitness tracking is the only reason you're tethered to your Apple Watch." With this new feature, users can start a workout session in the iPhone's Fitness app and use the AirPods Pro 3 earbuds to track heart rate, time spent exercising, and calories burned. They can also close their Move ring and earn rewards in the app. The introduction of in-ear heart rate sensing technology marks a significant upgrade for Apple's wireless earbuds. This feature has been available on some fitness trackers and smartwatches, but its integration into AirPods Pro 3 is a notable development. Apple Watch users who rely on their device solely for fitness tracking may find themselves questioning the need to continue wearing it. "If the AirPods Pro 3's fitness tracking features work as well as Apple says they will, I might never put my Apple Watch back on," Jones said. The implications of this new feature are far-reaching and could potentially disrupt the wearable market. With more users opting for wireless earbuds with built-in health monitoring capabilities, the demand for dedicated smartwatches may decrease. Industry experts predict that this trend will continue to grow as consumers become increasingly interested in convenient and seamless health tracking solutions. "The integration of health monitoring features into wireless earbuds is a natural progression," said Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert in wearable technology. "As consumers become more comfortable with the idea of tracking their health through their earbuds, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of this technology." The current status of the AirPods Pro 3's fitness tracking features is that they are available now for users running iOS 26 or later on their iPhone. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how consumers adapt to this new feature and whether it ultimately leads to a decline in Apple Watch sales. Background: The AirPods Pro 3 was announced earlier this year with several notable upgrades, including improved sound quality and longer battery life. However, the addition of in-ear heart rate sensing technology has generated significant buzz among consumers and industry experts alike. Additional Perspectives: Some users have expressed concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the AirPods Pro 3's fitness tracking features. "While I appreciate the convenience of having health monitoring capabilities built into my earbuds, I still rely on my Apple Watch for more accurate data," said Sarah Lee, a fitness enthusiast. Next Developments: As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how consumers adapt to this new feature and whether it ultimately leads to a decline in Apple Watch sales. With the rise of wireless earbuds with built-in health monitoring capabilities, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of this technology in the future. Sources: Jada Jones, Editor of ZDNET Dr. Emily Chen, leading expert in wearable technology Sarah Lee, fitness enthusiast *Reporting by Zdnet.*