Apple’s Beats brand has introduced the Powerbeats Pro 2, the first in its lineup to feature integrated heart rate sensors. These earbuds will be available from 13th February for $249, offering enhanced audio, longer battery life, and several upgrades similar to Apple’s AirPods range. The redesigned ear hooks are also expected to provide a more secure fit.
The new earbuds could boost Apple’s wearables business, which, like its iPhone division, has seen a decline in sales. The company’s latest financial report showed wearables revenue at $11.7 billion, a slight drop from $11.9 billion in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, iPhone revenue stood at $69.1 billion, down from $69.7 billion in Q1 2024, contributing to an overall company revenue of $124.3 billion.
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A key feature of the Powerbeats Pro 2 is its heart rate monitoring capability. While speculation has long surrounded Apple’s AirPods gaining this function, the technology has made its debut in the Beats brand first. The sensor uses LED optical technology to track heart rate by pulsing light 100 times per second. Users can sync this data with fitness apps such as Peloton, Nike Run Club, Slopes, Open, Runna, Ladder, and YaoYao. Though Apple Fitness+ won’t support heart rate tracking at launch, the information will still be accessible through the Apple Health app.
Apple says it adapted its Apple Watch heart rate monitoring system into a compact design suitable for earbuds, allowing users to track their workouts without needing a smartwatch or chest strap.
In addition to heart rate tracking, the Powerbeats Pro 2 features active noise cancellation for blocking out background sounds and a transparency mode for enhancing ambient noise. The latter is useful for situations where users need to remain aware of their surroundings, such as running outdoors or working in an office.
As part of the Beats brand, the Powerbeats Pro 2 is fully compatible with Android devices, offering the same listening modes and heart rate tracking as on Apple devices. However, iPhone users get exclusive access to features like Personalized Spatial Audio for immersive sound, Siri voice commands, and high-quality lossless audio, which are not available on Android.
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Battery life has also been improved, with the earbuds offering up to 10 hours of playtime when noise cancellation is off. The charging case extends total listening time to 45 hours. The earbuds are water- and sweat-resistant and feature a new design that is 20% lighter than the previous generation.
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