Apple Upgrades Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart Rate Monitoring, ANC, and 45-Hour Battery

Beats by Dre has officially launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, the long-awaited successor to its popular fitness-focused wireless earbuds. As Apple continues to expand its audio lineup, the Powerbeats Pro 2 emerges as the first Apple-owned earbuds to feature heart rate tracking. The new model also brings Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved comfort, and enhanced durability, making it a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts and Apple users alike.

Now available for $249.99, the Powerbeats Pro 2 can be purchased via Apple’s official store, Beats’ website, and select retailers. The earbuds are available in four colors: Electric Orange, Black, Gray, and Purple.

Powerbeats Pro 2: Key Upgrades

The Powerbeats Pro 2 retains Beats’ signature ear hook design but refines it with a sleeker build, enhanced functionality, and deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

1. A More Compact and Comfortable Design

• 20% Smaller & Lighter: The earbuds are more compact, making them less bulky than their predecessor.
• Nickel-Titanium Ear Hooks: These are 50% smaller, more flexible, and more durable, making them glasses and hat-friendly—a notable improvement.
• More Ear Tip Options: Apple includes five ear tip sizes, including extra small and extra large for a better seal.

2. Heart Rate Tracking: A First for Apple-Owned Earbuds

For the first time in any Apple earbuds, the Powerbeats Pro 2 features built-in heart rate monitoring, a capability Apple has long been rumored to be developing for AirPods.

• Uses LED optical sensors that pulse over 100 times per second to track blood flow.
• Data syncs with Apple Health, Nike Run Club, Peloton, Open, and other fitness apps.
• iOS users benefit from automatic heart rate tracking, while Android users must manually enable it through the Beats app.
• Notably, Apple’s own Fitness app does not support the feature, a surprising limitation given its Apple ecosystem integration.

3. Apple’s H2 Chip Powers ANC, Spatial Audio & More

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is powered by Apple’s H2 chip, which brings:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode: A first for the Powerbeats line.
• Personalized Spatial Audio: Creates an immersive, surround-sound experience.
• Adaptive EQ: Adjusts sound dynamically for the best audio performance.
• Hands-Free “Hey Siri” Voice Control: No need to press buttons to summon Siri.
• Audio Sharing: Allows you to stream music to another pair of Beats or AirPods.
• Find My Integration: Helps locate misplaced earbuds through Apple’s Find My app.

4. Improved Battery Life & Charging

• 8 Hours Playback with ANC On (10 Hours Without)
• Total 36-45 Hours with the Charging Case
• Qi Wireless Charging & USB-C Port
• 33% Smaller Charging Case, but still bulkier than most wireless earbuds due to the ear hook design.

5. Sweat and Water Resistance

Apple has retained an IPX4 rating, making the Powerbeats Pro 2 sweat-resistant but not fully waterproof. However, Beats redesigned the venting system to improve protection against water damage.

Sound Quality: Beats’ Signature Bass with Improved Clarity

Apple has overhauled the acoustic architecture, introducing:

• A dual-layer transducer that enhances clarity while keeping Beats’ signature powerful bass.
• A redesigned venting system that reduces distortion and improves overall sound balance.
• Excellent low-end performance, making these earbuds ideal for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock.

How Powerbeats Pro 2 Compares to Competitors

The Powerbeats Pro 2 enters a competitive landscape dominated by Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Jabra Elite 8 Active.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 is the best fitness-focused option for Apple users, thanks to secure-fit hooks, heart rate tracking, and long battery life. However, if ANC performance or compact size is a priority, AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5 may be better options.