Powerbeats Pro 2: Apple’s latest wearable health device for athletes

After six years of anticipation, Beats has released the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. The new devices come with features like heart-rate sensors and active noise cancellation, adding advanced capabilities to the familiar design.

Although the overall look remains similar, the Powerbeats Pro 2 now offers a more modern and slimmer silhouette.

Matthew Costello, Apple’s VP of Hardware Engineering, discussed the development process, noting that work on the project began after Apple acquired Beats.

“We’re extremely excited to bring this first health-centric tech to the Powerbeats Pro line, and we think it’s a real lane for future development,” he explained in an interview.

Cutting-edge tech integration

The integration of Beats into Apple led to the inclusion of new technologies in the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, priced at $249.99, the same as the original model.

The earbuds come in Jet Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange, offering a range of color choices.

They feature Apple’s H2 chip and custom dual-layer drivers developed by Beats to improve audio performance.

Design changes are subtle but noticeable, with thinner ear hooks, main body, and bridge providing a more comfortable and stable fit during workouts.

The H2 chip enables advanced features such as active noise cancellation and Transparency mode, enhancing the listening experience. Spatial Audio with head tracking is also supported, providing a more immersive experience, especially when paired with Apple Music or Dolby Atmos content.

Additionally, the Powerbeats Pro 2 supports ultra-low latency audio, making it compatible with the Vision Pro headset.

Health-focused wearables

A standout feature of the latest Powerbeats model is the combination of heart rate monitors or sensors in each earbud, marking a significant step in the merging of Beats into Apple.

This introduces new possibilities for athletes, as the heart rate sensor technology, adapted from the Apple Watch, has been miniaturized to fit seamlessly into the earbuds.

The sensor includes key components: an LED light source, a photodiode for detecting light changes, an optical lens to focus the light, and an accelerometer to track movement.

Beats rigorously tested the heart rate measurements with over a thousand athletes, ensuring that the data provided by the earbuds is both precise and reliable.

Once correctly worn, the earbuds initiate a measurement cycle every five seconds, ensuring uninterrupted tracking of vital signs during physical exertion.

Upon release, the heart rate sensors will be compatible with a range of popular iOS fitness apps, including Peloton, Slopes, Ladder, Open, Runna, YaoYao, and Nike Run Club.

Additionally, the heart rate data collected by the earbuds will be integrated into the Health app on iPhones. In cases where both an iPhone and an Apple Watch are used together, the Health app will prioritize data from the watch to maintain consistency and accuracy in health metrics.

Android users can also take advantage of the heart rate monitoring feature with various fitness apps available on their devices.

Although currently unsupported by Apple Fitness Plus, Beats is exploring options for integrating pulse measurement into their fitness platform in the future.

Innovative technology for athletes

One of the key improvements of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is the enhanced battery life, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted audio for extended periods.

Consumers can take advantage of a generous battery life that provides up to 45 hours of continuous audio playback by opting out of active noise cancellation (ANC).

However, even with active noise cancellation or Transparency mode activated, the earbuds provide up to eight hours of listening time on a full charge. This brings the total battery life, including recharges from the case, to 36 hours.

Design enhancements for a better fit

Featuring an upgraded IPX4 rating, these earbuds offer enhanced protection against sweat and light water splashes, ensuring they remain intact and reliable even during intense physical activities.

Initial feedback from users who have tested the earbuds indicates noticeable improvements in audio clarity and noise reduction effectiveness, especially compared to earlier versions.

For those who have always preferred ear hooks instead of wingtips or traditional in-ear buds, the new model provides a secure and reliable option. It is specifically designed for workout routines that require a firm fit and stability.

With its combination of cutting-edge sound quality and innovative health-tracking features, this latest release stands out as a significant advancement in wearable technology. It particularly caters to the needs of athletes and fitness enthusiasts who seek comprehensive performance support.

Seamless integration with fitness apps

By combining state-of-the-art audio technology with advanced heart rate monitoring features, Powerbeats Pro 2 sets a new benchmark for sports headphones, raising the bar for audio performance and health-tracking capabilities.

As wearable technology continues to evolve, the Powerbeats Pro 2 exemplifies how seamlessly advanced technology can integrate into daily activities, offering a natural and effortless experience.

With its focus on both performance and convenience, these earbuds represent a significant step forward in wearable tech for fitness enthusiasts.