Apple’s iOS 27 introduces a significant enhancement to its fitness ecosystem by extending GymKit functionality to the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3. This development allows users to replicate the Apple Watch’s GymKit experience directly through their iPhone and AirPods, offering a seamless workout tracking solution without the need for a smartwatch.
GymKit, launched in 2017, enables Apple Watch users to sync workout data with compatible gym equipment. By tapping the watch to the machine, users can exchange real-time metrics such as heart rate, distance, incline, pace, and calories burned. With iOS 27, this capability is now accessible to iPhone users equipped with AirPods Pro 3.
The setup process is straightforward. Users can initiate a workout by tapping their iPhone to GymKit-compatible equipment, selecting the desired activity—such as an indoor walk or run—and starting the session. During the workout, the treadmill receives heart rate data from the AirPods Pro 3, while the iPhone’s Fitness app records metrics like distance, pace, incline, and calories burned. This integration provides a comprehensive view of the workout, leveraging the precise data from the gym equipment and the heart rate monitoring capabilities of the AirPods.
One of the notable advantages of this system is the elimination of common inconveniences associated with traditional gym workouts. Users no longer need to grip the treadmill’s metal heart-rate sensors or wear separate Bluetooth heart-rate straps. The AirPods Pro 3 serve as the heart-rate monitor and audio source, while the iPhone acts as the workout interface, displaying real-time data and progress.
This expansion aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance fitness tracking across its devices. The Fitness app on the iPhone has become increasingly functional without the Apple Watch, and the introduction of heart-rate tracking in AirPods Pro 3 further bridges the gap between devices. While this new GymKit functionality doesn’t replace the Apple Watch for dedicated users, it offers a valuable alternative when the watch is unavailable or charging.
In practical use, workouts initiated through GymKit on the iPhone sync seamlessly with the Fitness app. For instance, a 16-minute treadmill session recorded 0.66 miles, 65 active calories, 97 total calories, 32 feet of elevation gain, and an average heart rate of 115 BPM—comparable to data collected using an Apple Watch.
It’s important to note that this feature requires AirPods Pro 3, as they are the only AirPods model equipped with a built-in heart-rate sensor. Additionally, users must ensure that heart-rate permissions are enabled in the AirPods settings to utilize this functionality.
By extending GymKit support to the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3, Apple offers users a flexible and convenient way to monitor their workouts, potentially attracting more users to its fitness ecosystem and providing a taste of the Apple Watch experience without the immediate need for the device.
