With the release of iOS 27, Apple is broadening the reach of its GymKit feature, which has long been a cornerstone of Apple Watch’s fitness capabilities. Previously, users needed to tap their watch to compatible gym equipment to exchange data like heart rate and workout metrics. Now, iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 are stepping into that role, offering a full GymKit experience without the need for a watch. This shift allows iPhone and AirPods users to log workouts on compatible machines, such as treadmills, with real-time data tracking just like Apple Watch owners have enjoyed since 2017.
During hands-on testing with an iOS 27 beta version, tapping an iPhone to a treadmill initiated the workout. The machine then pulled heart rate data directly from the AirPods Pro 3. At the same time, the iPhone gathered treadmill feedback, including distance, pace, and calories. Treadmills offer specific metrics such as incline and precise belt distance, which neither the iPhone nor the AirPods can capture independently. This integration creates a more comprehensive workout view while maintaining the privacy of your data, which is stored directly on the iPhone rather than the machine.
Limitations of Using iPhone Instead of Apple Watch
Although the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 combo delivers a solid GymKit experience, the Apple Watch still sets the benchmark for workout accuracy. The Apple Watch, with its dedicated sensors and advanced watchOS 27 features, continues to be the best device for logging treadmill workouts. When the Apple Watch and treadmill work in tandem, the result is a highly detailed workout analysis that the new iPhone-based system cannot yet match in precision.
One notable missing feature is the immediate updating of Apple’s Activity rings without the watch. In a test session that lasted 16 minutes, the Exercise ring did not register activity until the user put the Apple Watch back on. After reconnecting, the data synced correctly, but the watch remains the primary tool for automatic tracking and ring updates. While the iPhone fills in effectively during emergencies, it’s not a complete substitute in terms of real-time feedback.
How to Enable and Use GymKit Without an Apple Watch
If you want to use GymKit without your Apple Watch, the key components are AirPods Pro 3 and the iPhone. Before starting, heart-rate permissions for the AirPods must be activated in the Settings app under Privacy and your AirPods settings. During testing, users who had disabled this permission found the iPhone disconnected once the workout began, as the AirPods are the only source for heart-rate tracking in this setup.
If you start a GymKit session while wearing an Apple Watch, the iPhone will direct you to use the Workout app on the watch, as it still considers the watch the default interface. However, it’s still possible to continue the workout on the iPhone, though the watch remains the main device for control and feedback. For users who plan to use this new feature regularly, it’s best to disable the watch during the workout setup.
AirPods Pro 3 and Apple Watch can also be used together, combining the best of both devices for even more precise tracking. The combination leverages the AirPods for heart rate and the watch for additional metrics, giving users a more complete workout profile than either could provide alone.
This addition to iOS 27 reflects Apple’s broader push to make its Fitness ecosystem more cohesive and accessible. For users who rely on Apple Watch as their main fitness tracker, the watch is still the go-to choice. However, when the device is out of power, charging, or left at home, the new setup with iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 offers a reliable alternative. It fills an important gap, especially for those who prefer to carry just their iPhone and headphones while working out.
For iPhone and AirPods users who don’t own an Apple Watch, this feature offers a glimpse into the potential of Apple’s wearable technology. It introduces the core experience of Apple Watch workouts without the need for the device itself. While the system remains a backup rather than a replacement, it enhances the appeal of Apple’s Fitness offerings and supports the company’s long-term strategy to integrate workouts across all its platforms and devices.
