Apple Adds Heart Rate Monitoring to Powerbeats Pro 2

Apple Unveils the Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds

On Tuesday, Apple officially launched the much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds. This release occurs almost six years following the initial introduction of the original Powerbeats to the market.

The new iteration retains the signature ear hook design, ideal for exercise, and incorporates enhancements in audio quality, extended battery performance, and a case supporting wireless charging.

Expanding Healthcare Features

These earbuds represent a significant advancement in Apple's efforts to broaden its capabilities within the healthcare sector. A key addition is integrated heart rate monitoring functionality.

This feature activates automatically during workouts, providing users with real-time data through LED optical sensors.

App Compatibility

The heart rate monitoring system is compatible not only with Apple’s native health application but also with several prominent fitness platforms.

Supported apps include Open, Peloton, Runna, Slopes, Ladder, Nike Run Club, and YaoYao. Notably, the popular running app Strava is currently not included in this list.

Apple’s Health Ecosystem

The Powerbeats Pro 2 expand Apple’s existing health-focused product line, which is currently centered around the Apple Watch.

While basic features like step tracking were present in earlier models, Apple has increasingly prioritized health functionalities. The Watch now offers ECG readings, fall detection, sleep tracking, and a range of other tools designed to provide a comprehensive health overview.

Potential for AirPods Integration

In 2024, Apple further broadened its health offerings with the introduction of a hearing aid feature for the AirPods Pro 2.

The inclusion of heart rate monitoring in the Beats lineup may suggest a future implementation of this feature in upcoming AirPods updates, although this would likely necessitate substantial hardware modifications.

Apple-branded headphones generally cater to a broader lifestyle market, in contrast to the Powerbeats’ specific focus on fitness.

H2 Chip and Battery Life

The new headphones have been upgraded with Apple’s H2 chip, initially featured in the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022.

This chip remains Apple’s leading headphone processor until the release of the AirPods Pro 3 at a later date.

Apple attributes the improvements in battery life directly to this proprietary silicon.

The earbuds themselves now offer up to 10 hours of playback, an increase from the previous model’s nine hours.

More significantly, the charging case extends the total battery life from 24 to 45 hours, achieved while simultaneously reducing the size of the original Powerbeats Pro’s notably large case.

Enhanced Audio Experience

Improvements to sound quality are also highlighted, with the addition of Spatial Audio featuring head tracking – the same noise cancellation technology found in the AirPods Pro 2.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Adaptive EQ technology dynamically adjusts the audio output to suit the wearer’s individual ear characteristics.

Design and Durability

The ear hooks are now constructed from a nickel alloy, enhancing their durability.

The overall weight of the earbuds has been reduced by 20%.

Apple conducted testing with 1,000 athletes to refine the design and ensure a more universally comfortable fit.

The headphones maintain an IPX4 sweat resistance rating, consistent with the AirPods.

The charging case now features a USB-C port, replacing the previous Lightning connector.

Availability and Pricing

The Powerbeats Pro 2 are available for purchase online starting today, with a price of $250 – the same as the original model launched in 2019.

They will be available in retail stores beginning this Thursday, February 13.

Marketing Campaign

Although the announcement occurred shortly after the Super Bowl, Apple is planning a substantial advertising campaign.

This campaign will feature endorsements from prominent athletes, including LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Shohei Ohtani.