Apple's Beats Introduces Powerbeats Pro 2 with Built-In Heart Rate Sensor
Apple’s Beats brand has unveiled the Powerbeats Pro 2, a long-awaited update to its popular fitness-focused earbuds. This new version introduces active noise cancellation, a built-in heart-rate monitor, and an improved design, making it an appealing option for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 now incorporates features found in Apple’s AirPods, including transparency mode, which lets users hear surrounding sounds, and Apple’s H2 chip, enhancing audio performance. Additionally, it boasts upgraded spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience. The charging case is now more compact and supports wireless charging.
The biggest upgrade is the heart-rate monitor, a first for any Apple-designed earbuds. This feature is based on the same technology used in the Apple Watch, aligning with Apple’s increasing focus on health and fitness tracking. The earbuds can sync heart-rate data with fitness apps such as Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes. They also integrate with the Apple Health app and work with Android devices.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 arrives at a time when Apple’s wearables division has been struggling. In the last holiday quarter, sales in this category, which includes accessories and home products, dropped nearly 2% to $11.8 billion—slightly below analysts’ expectations of $12 billion.
Priced at $250, the new Powerbeats match the cost of the AirPods Pro 2. They will be available in black, orange, purple, and a shade called quicksand. Unlike AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature over-ear hooks for a more secure fit, making them a preferred choice for sports and outdoor activities.
Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s music, sports, and TV+ divisions, called this the “most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Apple acquired Beats for $3 billion in 2014, marking its largest acquisition to date.
Meanwhile, Apple is also working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, but these are not expected to be released anytime soon.
In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 outperform the AirPods. They last 10 hours on a single charge and up to 45 hours with the charging case. In comparison, AirPods provide six hours of use and up to 30 hours with their case. However, AirPods come with additional features, such as a built-in hearing aid function.
The launch of the new Beats follows recent reports hinting at its arrival. Apple is also expected to unveil an updated iPhone SE soon, adding to its lineup of upcoming product releases.
