Apple is expanding GymKit functionality to iPhones and AirPods Pro 3 through the iOS 27 beta [1].
This update removes the Apple Watch as a requirement for gym equipment synchronization. By allowing users to track workouts directly via their phones and earbuds, Apple is lowering the barrier for users to utilize GymKit-compatible hardware in fitness centers.
Testing of the feature has been observed this month in iOS 27 beta 3 [1]. The functionality specifically targets GymKit-compatible treadmills, enabling the devices to mirror the tracking experience typically reserved for the Apple Watch [1].
"It basically gives you the Apple Watch GymKit workout tracking experience, just without the watch," Chance said in a report for 9to5Mac [1].
This expansion arrives alongside other audio-centric updates for the AirPods Pro 3 [2]. Previous reports indicate that iOS 27 allows users to customize the equalizer settings for their earbuds, and provides more streamlined control over Adaptive Audio [2]. Additionally, the new software method simplifies how users manage ambient noise blending [3].
David Phelan said that users can finally customize their AirPods' EQ and control Adaptive Audio more easily with these software features [2].
The integration of GymKit into the iPhone suggests a shift toward a more flexible ecosystem where the phone acts as the primary hub for health data, rather than relying solely on wearable hardware to bridge the gap between the user and gym machinery [1].
“"It basically gives you the Apple Watch GymKit workout tracking experience, just without the watch,"”
By decoupling GymKit from the Apple Watch, Apple is expanding its health ecosystem to a broader user base who own iPhones but not wearables. This move increases the utility of GymKit-compatible equipment for gym owners and provides a more seamless data collection process for users who prefer not to wear a watch during exercise.
