Apple is expanding its GymKit fitness platform to iPhone and AirPods with the release of iOS 27. The update allows users to sync health data and workout metrics directly between gym equipment and their mobile devices without an Apple Watch. This expansion brings the synchronized tracking experience to a wider range of hardware for the first time since the service launched in 2017.
Key details
- Metric sharing: Compatible gym equipment shares data including distance, incline, pace, and calories directly to the iPhone.
- Heart rate tracking: AirPods Pro 3, priced at $179, provide real-time heart rate data to the system during the workout.
- Interface: The experience mirrors the existing Apple Watch GymKit workflow, providing a unified workout summary on the iPhone screen.
- Compatibility: The feature works with existing GymKit-enabled treadmills and other fitness machines.
Why it matters
This move signals a strategic shift in how Apple views its health ecosystem by decoupling premium features from specific hardware. By allowing AirPods Pro 3 to act as the primary biometric sensor, Apple provides a tracking solution for users who prefer not to wear a watch during exercise. This change directly challenges dedicated fitness trackers from companies like Fitbit, as Apple leverages its existing phone and earbud installed base to capture more workout data.
Read the full story at 9to5Mac
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