Can I Run With Airpods Pro

How Apple could make the AirPods Pro 2 perfect running earbuds

a runner wearing the airpods pro at the beach

(Prototype credit: Apple tree)

Apple may not market the AirPods Pro as earbuds made for runners, but for anyone that'southward plugged them into their ears to stretch their legs down the park or on the treadmill, they actually make a pretty good set of running headphones.

The sound quality is solid, they possess strong ANC powers when you want to block out ambient noise, and a sweat and h2o resistant design means they offer some protection confronting the elements. Plus, if you can find a snug fit, the AirPods Pro are buds that stay secure whether you're on a run or relaxing at home.

The AirPods Pro aren't perfect running earbuds, though, and in that location are a lot of features nosotros'd like to see from future AirPods to make them more suitable for exercise. Apple already offers the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro equally more workout-friendly options, so it's not a massive stretch to suggest those buds could influence future AirPod Pro models.

Information technology's rumored that nosotros'll see the second-generation in the AirPods Pro line later this year. So, if Apple decided to give the AirPods Pro 2 more running appeal, what would it have to do to requite them that added entreatment? Having spent a lot of fourth dimension run-testing Apple's current AirPods Pro and a host of different sports headphones from Jabra, JBL, Beats, Sony, Jaybird and Shokz, here's what we think needs to happen.

AirPods Pro 2: what we know and so far

ane. Up the sweat protection

a runner wearing the airpods pro — (Prototype credit: Apple)

The current AirPods Pro offering an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means you're putting something in your ears that's splashproof. However, there are a host of other fettle-focused true wireless earbuds that offering stronger waterproof ratings and cost less than the Pro.

While we can't say we've encountered whatever issues with that level of protection running with the Pros, the idea that they could be better protected confronting sweat, pelting and moisture in general would exist welcomed.

Apple recently made the move to give its Watch 7 smartwatch an improved dustproof rating, so it'southward not out of the question that it'll bolster the ruggedness on its pop wireless earbuds likewise.

It shouldn't stop with the buds themselves either. Other headphone-makers like Jaybird have added that extra durable protection to cases too, and it would be skilful to run across the pocket and running belt-friendly case Apple already offers with the Pro get some actress protection likewise.

2. Give united states some physical volume controls

a closeup of the AirPods Pro in a person's ear — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

A very simple suggestion for Apple tree, only information technology'due south one based on the simple fact that runners definitely prefer physical controls. They're easier to become to grips with, especially when you're running at your quickest. Yes, Apple does offering Siri vox controls, but sometimes keeping things simple is often the all-time option.

The stem-based touch controls on the AirPods Pro actually work well, but different Apple tree's Beats Powerbeats Pro and a host of other sporty true wireless earbuds, they don't offer the ability to physically adjust book controls.

Granted, the Powerbeats Pro accept more space to play with, but there are likewise buds that are a like size and stature to the AirPods Pro that take managed to successfully implement physical volume controls. Jabra'south Elite Active vii are a good case of that. Something as simple every bit pressing and holding the stems to suit volume, would be the kind of addition runners would absolutely consume up.

Some other style Apple could brand the AirPods Pro controls easier for runners to use is by implementing a like kind of applied science to the Wide Tap Expanse featured on the Sony LinkBuds, which allows yous to tap your confront to adjust your music playback.

This gives you a larger expanse to piece of work with, and so y'all're less likely to miss the buds themselves while you're running. Nosotros've already seen Apple patents that depict futuristic gesture controls, and now that Sony has proven it possible, we're hopeful that the AirPods Pro 2 volition better upon their predecessors' touch-sensitive stems.

3. Add together tracking features that make sense

Apple patents that could relate to futurity AirPods Pro models have suggested the visitor is looking to offering some fettle tracking features with its hereafter earbuds.

Apple has already planted a move detecting accelerometer sensor within of the AirPods Pro, and at WWDC 2020, the visitor announced it was opening upwardly its Move API on the AirPods to enable developers of fitness apps and games to make use of the caput tracking used for the buds' Spatial Sound feature.

Bringing biometric and tracking sensors isn't new territory for truly wireless earbuds. Jabra and Amazfit offer buds that pack in optical heart charge per unit monitors that work well - as long as you lot manage to get a reliable and precise fit throughout your run. If y'all don't, they're non as accurate as you'd want them to exist.

Amazfit also used accelerometer motion sensors to track runs via the ears, though unsurprisingly, the tech wasn't extremely reliable and always going to rival a GPS running picket for accuracy.

What we're maxim here is that, while it would be great to come across some form of run-tracking characteristic included on the Pro 2, it would demand to be reliable, compelling and offer something better than what other run-tracking devices tin already offer.

4. Focus on coaching and posture

Garmin Forerunner 745 — (Prototype credit: Garmin)

Another fashion Apple could innovate useful running smarts to its next set of AirPods Pro is by borrowing some Apple tree Spotter features. Apple tree's smartwatch offers one of the best run tracking experiences you can find on a habiliment right now, with a built-in heart rate monitor, blood oxygen monitor, and reliable GPS. We've already heard rumors that the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to tell yous your blood oxygen levels, and adding in heart rate tracking would brand them ideal earbuds for runners.

However, there's a great bargain more being washed in the wearable and hearable infinite around the idea of helping us pay closer attention to running form and technique. Posture is a part of maintaining that skilful running grade and it's not unfeasible to remember that Apple could explore posture monitoring from higher up the body and use that information to offering insights into form. The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro included posture tracking features using similar accelerometer motion sensors already nowadays in the AirPods Pro.

The idea that the AirPods Pro 2 will be able to bus you through your workouts seems even more than feasible when you consider that Apple tree has filed a patent (opens in new tab) for a pair of in-ear headphones that employ inbuilt sensors to "gather orientation information such as accelerometer measurements during user movements".

Apple already has a pretty practiced platform in Fitness Plus where it leads users through indoor running workouts, so bringing elements of that together with additional movement data you could generate from Apple tree's earbuds could be a recipe for a more than comprehensive tracking experience - and non just for how far or quick your run merely too how you run, too.

5. Throw in some hooks

The Beats Powerbeats Pro. (Epitome credit: Apple / Beats)

There's no getting away from the fact that the fit of the AirPods Pro isn't going to piece of work for everyone. The but thing keeping the AirPods Pro securely in your ears are their silicone ear tips - and that becomes fifty-fifty more than problematic if yous decide to add swift running movements into the equation.

While the AirPods Pro definitely experience secure enough for casual runs where you're not chasing a Lead or racing, there's e'er that fright they might fall out when you increase the speed.

If y'all look effectually at the truly wireless earbuds that practise feel similar a amend fit for picking upwards the pace, there's usually a key blueprint chemical element in place - and that's ear hooks or wing tips. This arroyo commonly means earbuds feel better locked into the ears and with the correct pair, will reduce the chances of them falling out.

A simple solution for Apple could be to include its own interchangeable ear hooks or tips that you lot can reach for and skid on when you lot do desire to run.

Not-detachable earfins could also be congenital into the design of the AirPods Pro 2. It'due south rumored that the next generation of Pro earbuds will come up with a radically different design to their predecessors, getting rid of the protruding stems altogether.

That would mean Apple would demand to find a fashion to keep the AirPods Pro 2 securely in the ears without the stabilizing upshot of the stems - and integrated fins would be a slap-up way to attain that security.

Will the AirPods Pro 2 be every bit futuristic as the rumors advise?

Michael is a freelance journalist who has covered consumer technology for over a decade and specializes in wearable and fitness tech. Previously editor of Wareable, he besides co-ran the features and reviews sections of T3, and has a long list of bylines in the world of consumer tech sites.

With a focus on fitness trackers, headphones, running wearables, phones, and tablet, he has written for numerous publications including Wired Britain, GQ, Men's Fettle, BBC Scientific discipline Focus, Metro and Stuff, and has appeared on the BBC Travel Show. Michael is a keen swimmer, a runner with a number of marathons under his belt, and is also the co-founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers.