Overview

• Apple’s earbuds use pulsed infrared PPG at 256 Hz plus motion data to log heart rate and calories across up to 50 workout types, with sensing triggered only when a workout is started in the Fitness app or a compatible app.
• Early analyses say ear‑based optical tracking performs well at rest and during steady exercise but can drift during abrupt movement or with poor fit, keeping chest straps as the accuracy gold standard and smartwatches as the practical middle ground.
• Beats confirms that iOS 26 updates bring Powerbeats Pro 2 full Apple Fitness and Fitness+ integration, Apple Watch data blending, step counting without phone or watch, faster HR algorithms, fit alerts, single‑bud HR, and new Siri head‑gesture controls.
• AirPods Pro 3 add foam‑infused tips with five sizes, improved active noise cancellation, IP57 dust and water resistance, the U2 ultra‑wideband chip, and up to eight hours of listening per charge, though total case battery life is listed at 24 hours.
• Preorders are open ahead of the September 19 launch at $249 in the U.S. and £219 in the U.K., with Live Translation available at launch in select languages and not currently enabled in the EU.