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Health & Wellness

Apple Watch Ultra 3 and AirPods Pro 3 Combine for Enhanced Heart Rate Tracking

WireByte Staff · August 2, 2026

Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners who also use AirPods Pro 3 can now benefit from a feature that combines the two devices for more accurate heart rate tracking during workouts. This feature, enabled by default, uses the in-ear heart rate sensors in the AirPods Pro 3 to provide a backup source of heart rate data, which the Apple Watch Ultra 3 can then use to improve its accuracy. This is particularly useful for activities that can cause the wrist-based optical sensors in the Apple Watch to struggle, such as heavy grip work or rowing.

Key points

  • Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners who use AirPods Pro 3 can now combine the two devices for enhanced heart rate tracking during workouts.
  • The feature, enabled by default, uses the in-ear heart rate sensors in the AirPods Pro 3 to provide a backup source of heart rate data.
  • This is particularly useful for activities that can cause the wrist-based optical sensors in the Apple Watch to struggle, such as heavy grip work or rowing.
  • The combined data from the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3 is used to improve the accuracy of the heart rate tracking.

Apple has quietly introduced a feature that allows Apple Watch Ultra 3 owners who also use AirPods Pro 3 to combine the two devices for enhanced heart rate tracking during workouts. This feature, enabled by default, uses the in-ear heart rate sensors in the AirPods Pro 3 to provide a backup source of heart rate data, which the Apple Watch Ultra 3 can then use to improve its accuracy.

This is particularly useful for activities that can cause the wrist-based optical sensors in the Apple Watch to struggle, such as heavy grip work or rowing. By combining the data from the Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 3, users can get a more accurate reading of their heart rate, even in situations where the Apple Watch might struggle to provide a reliable reading.

The feature is enabled by default, and users do not need to take any additional steps to activate it. This is a welcome addition to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and it demonstrates Apple's commitment to providing users with the best possible experience.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.