Apple brings GymKit to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 in iOS 27

Apple is expanding GymKit support beyond the Apple Watch to include the iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 with the release of iOS 27. This shift allows users to sync workout data with compatible gym equipment using only their phone and earbuds.

Under the new system, users can connect to compatible cardio machines—including treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and stair steppers—by tapping their iPhone against an NFC connection point on the hardware. While the iPhone serves as the primary record-keeper and display for the Fitness app, the AirPods Pro 3 are a critical component of the ecosystem. The earbuds provide the necessary heart rate data to the equipment; without them, the iPhone may disconnect from the machine due to the lack of a heart-rate source.

The evolution of GymKit

Originally launched in October 2017, GymKit was designed specifically to bridge the gap between the Apple Watch and professional gym hardware. Despite the utility of automatic data syncing, the feature saw limited adoption over the years. This was largely due to the slow replacement cycle of commercial gym equipment and the strict requirement that users own an Apple Watch to access the functionality.

By integrating the service into iOS 27, Apple is leveraging the ubiquity of the iPhone to lower the barrier to entry. This update essentially provides the Apple Watch GymKit workout tracking experience without requiring the watch itself.

Why the shift matters

This update transforms the iPhone and AirPods combination into a viable alternative for gym-goers who prefer not to wear a watch or find themselves with a dead battery during a session. It solves a persistent practical problem: the loss of a workout log when a wearable is forgotten or uncharged.

Beyond convenience, the integration allows for a more seamless capture of high-fidelity metrics. Users can now pull incline and precise distance data from the machine and combine it with heart rate monitoring in the Fitness app without needing a dedicated chest strap or relying on the manual contact sensors built into gym handles.

What to watch

The public version of iOS 27 is scheduled for release on September 14, 2026. While the software enables the feature, the actual utility for users will depend on the prevalence of compatible NFC-enabled machines in local gyms. It remains to be seen if this expansion will encourage gym operators to accelerate their hardware upgrade cycles to accommodate the larger pool of iPhone users.