Apple has launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, a significant upgrade to its popular earbuds line, retaining the iconic ear hook design while introducing cutting-edge features nearly six years after the original model. Notably, they include heart rate monitoring during workouts, improved sound quality, extended battery life with wireless charging capabilities, and a sleeker design.
Enhanced Features for Fitness Enthusiasts
The Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a major leap forward in Apple’s health-focused offerings by integrating heart rate monitoring using LED optical sensors. This feature provides real-time data during workouts and is compatible with various fitness apps such as Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao—though Strava remains absent from this list.
These earbuds expand Apple’s health portfolio beyond the Apple Watch’s capabilities like ECG readings and fall detection. The addition of heart rate monitoring on Beats products could potentially pave the way for similar features in future AirPods models.
Technical Upgrades
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which is a big upgrade from the W2 chip used in previous models. This change boosts battery life, with each bud offering up to 10 hours of playback per charge (up from nine), while the charging case extends total battery life to an impressive 45 hours—nearly doubling that of its predecessor. The case itself is smaller yet more efficient.
Sound quality has also been improved with Spatial Audio featuring dynamic head tracking and Adaptive EQ technology that adjusts audio based on how well-fitting they are in your ears.
Design Improvements
Apple tested these earbuds on nearly 1,000 athletes to ensure a universal fit. The familiar ear hooks now incorporate nickel alloy for added strength while reducing overall weight by about 20%. Additionally, they maintain an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance similar to AirPods.
The transition from Lightning ports to USB-C adds modernity alongside wireless charging capabilities. Priced at $250—the same as their predecessors—the Powerbeats Pro 2 are available online immediately and will hit physical stores starting February 13th.