Would you like to say goodbye to that annoying heart rate chest strap while riding? It might be possible soon, as heart rate may be possible to measure via compact earbuds on upcoming devices. It's coming with some recent announcements from Beats (Apple) and other earbud brands - upcoming models like the Powerbeats Pro 2 may measure heart rate directly, no chest strap needed.
A look at the Powerbeats Pro 2
The rumor mill shows that the Powerbeats Pro 2 (to be released under Apple's "Beats" brand) will offer heart rate monitoring that can connect to gym equipment, record heart rate in the Apple Health app, and perform other functions. Broadly, you can think of the Powerbeats Pro 2 as sort of an upgraded AirPods Pro, designed more for active sports like running, gym time, and so on.
Will the Powerbeats Pro 2 use ANT+ ? It isn't clear yet. Historically, heart rate monitor straps have worked by making ANT+ (or Bluetooth) connections to GPS head units, gym equipment, mobile phones, and so on. Obviously, the appeal for cyclists would be to connect the Powerbeats Pro 2 to a Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead GPS cycle computer head unit via ANT+, but until more specs are released, it isn't yet clear whether this will be possible.
Powerbeats Pro 2 will probably sell for $250 or so, in line with competing brands using similar features (like advanced noise cancellation), but quite a bit more than less expensive alternatives like the Bose QuietComfort.
What about other brands?
Bose is one brand that has previously produced earbuds that measure heart rate with their SoundSport Pulse product line. It's a fairly clunky design, with a wire connecting the left and right bulkier earbuds. Models that feature industrial design more along the lines of Apple's compact AirPods while still adding heart rate functions would be a welcome improvement.
Downsides of heart rate straps
If you're like me, you've been using a heart rate strap for decades - initially, one that simply displayed your heart rate on a watch; later, heart rate straps connected via ANT+ to head units from Garmin, Wahoo, etc. for recording and analysis.
They've never been great - whether due to challenges picking up heart rate consistently, slipping or pinching, or trouble pairing. It's also one more item to remember to pack into your gym or travel bag. Big improvements have been made over the last 10 years or so, but the idea of getting rid of the strap entirely is certainly appealing!
Safety
As always, I remind you not to use headphones when riding in traffic or anywhere other cyclists, pedestrians, or motor vehicles are present - you need full awareness in those situations for safety.