Apple Expands Health Tech with Powerbeats Pro 2
Apple officially introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, nearly six years after the original model was launched. Retaining the signature ear hook design, the new version enhances sound quality, extends battery life, and includes a wireless charging case. A standout feature of the latest Powerbeats is the addition of built-in heart rate monitoring, marking another step in Apple’s growing focus on health technology. The feature activates during workouts, providing real-time heart rate data using LED optical sensors.
The health tracking capability is compatible with Apple’s Health app and several top fitness platforms, including Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao. However, a notable absence from this list is Strava, one of the most widely used running apps. The Powerbeats Pro 2 joins Apple’s expanding health ecosystem, primarily driven by the Apple Watch, which offers ECG readings, fall detection, and sleep tracking. The move to integrate heart rate monitoring into the Beats lineup hints at the possibility of future AirPods models adopting similar health-focused features.
Hardware Upgrades and Improved Performance
The Powerbeats Pro 2 is powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the same advanced silicon that debuted in the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022. This chip delivers significant improvements, particularly in battery life. The earbuds themselves offer up to 10 hours of listening time, a slight increase from their predecessor’s nine hours. However, the most significant battery boost comes from the redesigned charging case, which extends total usage from 24 to an impressive 45 hours. Despite this increase, Apple has managed to reduce the case’s size, addressing one of the common complaints about the original model’s bulky design.
Sound quality has also received a major upgrade. The new earbuds now include Spatial Audio with head tracking, a feature previously available in AirPods Pro 2, as well as Adaptive EQ technology, which fine-tunes the audio experience to match the wearer’s ears. Noise cancellation and improved audio clarity further enhance the listening experience, making these earbuds a strong contender in the premium wireless headphone market.
Durability, Design, and Market Release
Apple has also refined the physical design of the Powerbeats Pro 2 for durability and comfort. The ear hooks now feature a nickel alloy construction, making them stronger, while the earbuds themselves are 20% lighter than the previous model. The company reportedly tested the new design on 1,000 athletes to optimize fit and comfort. Additionally, the earbuds maintain an IPX4 sweat resistance rating, making them suitable for intense workouts.
Another notable change is the shift from a Lightning charging port to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s broader transition across its product lineup. Wireless charging support has also been introduced for added convenience.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available for purchase online starting today at $250, the same price as the original model at launch in 2019. They will hit retail stores on February 13. Apple is investing heavily in promotional efforts, securing endorsements from high-profile athletes, including LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani, to highlight the earbuds’ fitness-centric appeal.
