Apple is changing how we track gym workouts. For years, the company limited its smart fitness syncing tool strictly to its smartwatches. Now, it is opening up this helpful feature to more devices in your pocket and ears. If you do not wear a watch, you can soon use your iPhone or your newest earbuds to connect directly to treadmills and indoor bikes at the gym.
New software lets your phone and earbuds track gym metrics
With the upcoming iOS 27 update, tapping your phone on compatible gym equipment will link your devices. This means your phone screen can display real time stats like distance and calories burned. You no longer need to rely on the built in screen of the treadmill or elliptical machine.
The update also brings this connectivity to the newest AirPods Pro 3. Since these earbuds include new internal sensors, they can send your pulse data straight to the gym machine. It creates a simple loop where your phone handles the display while your earbuds track your physical effort.
This move makes accurate workout tracking available to millions of people who prefer not to wear a watch while exercising. Gym machines will simply combine their speed and resistance data with the health metrics from your phone and earbuds.
