Apple has officially announced the release of the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, marking their debut nearly six years after the original Powerbeats. The new model features familiar ear hooks designed for workouts, improved sound, enhanced battery life, and a wireless charging case.
Apple launches Powerbeats Pro 2 with heart rate monitoringcan we add
A significant addition to the Powerbeats Pro 2 is built-in heart rate monitoring, which activates during workouts and provides real-time data through LED optical sensors. This monitoring capability integrates with Apple’s health app and supports several popular fitness platforms, including Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao. Notably, Strava is not among the compatible apps.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 contribute to Apple’s growing health portfolio, which currently centers around the Apple Watch. The watch has evolved to feature ECG readings, fall detection, sleep tracking, and other functionalities that present a comprehensive health overview for users. The health suite was further expanded in 2024 with a hearing aid feature added to the AirPods Pro 2. The introduction of heart rate monitoring in the Powerbeats line may indicate a potential future rollout for similar features in upcoming AirPods updates, although it would necessitate substantial hardware changes.
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These earbuds have transitioned from Apple’s W2 chip to the H2 chip, which was first introduced in the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. This chip upgrade is the primary contributor to improvements in battery life. The Powerbeats Pro 2 now offer 10 hours of battery life per charge, an increase from nine hours in their predecessors. The charging case itself boosts total battery life from 24 hours to 45 hours while decreasing its size by 33% compared to the original Powerbeats Pro’s larger case.
Sound quality improvements stem from the integration of Spatial Audio with head tracking—similar to the tech found in the AirPods Pro 2—and enhanced Adaptive EQ technology, which adjusts audio performance based on the user’s ear. The ear hooks are now constructed with nickel alloy for added strength, and the overall weight of the earbuds has been reduced by 20%. They have an IPX4 sweat resistance rating, matching that of the AirPods. Additionally, they have replaced the previous Lightning port with USB-C for charging.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are priced at $250, consistent with the original release price of the first Powerbeats back in 2019. They are available for purchase online starting today, with physical store availability beginning February 13, 2025. Apple has also invested in advertising for the launch, featuring endorsements from prominent athletes like LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani.
The Verge has provided insights about the product, stating that while the Powerbeats Pro 2 introduce features like active noise canceling, transparency mode, and heart rate monitoring—which have been seen in other products—these elements are innovative for the Powerbeats line. The earbuds’ case is noted to be 33% smaller and the buds themselves lighter. Users report enhanced comfort and security during workouts, appreciating the refined ergonomics of the ear hooks, especially for those who wear glasses.
In terms of audio performance, reviewers noted that while these earbuds may not match the AirPods Pro 2 in sound quality, they fulfill the primary needs of workout earbuds by providing substantial bass. The active noise canceling feature effectively diminishes background noise, enhancing the listening experience during physical activities. Overall, the earbuds have received positive feedback for merging comfort, sound quality, and advanced technology, although they are designed primarily for fitness usage.
The heart rate monitoring functionality represents a step forward, given that it utilizes an optical sensor and accelerometer in each earbud—allowing for increased accuracy by sourcing data from both sides. Currently partnered with several notable apps, the Powerbeats Pro 2 facilitate seamless integration for iOS users without requiring additional setup. However, compatibility limitations with certain apps, including Apple’s Fitness Plus, have been noted.
Amid these updates, the Powerbeats Pro 2 distinguish themselves as a significant evolution from their predecessors, providing compelling reasons for consumers to consider them a worthwhile investment for fitness and daily use.
Featured image credit: Apple/Beats
