Apple Unveils $249 Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Headphones That Can Measure Heart Rate

Beats has announced the Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless fitness headphones, which are positioned as a development of the Powerbeats Pro released back in 2019. The headphones have retained the ear hook design characteristic of the Powerbeats line, but have noticeably decreased in size and become 20% lighter. The case has also “lost” a third of its weight and acquired support for Qi wireless charging. But the most interesting thing is that the Powerbeats Pro 2 now monitor heart rate!

Image source: Beats

Both earbuds feature LED optical sensors that “measure blood flow more than 100 times per second,” according to a Beats press release. Data from both earbuds is analyzed and sent to compatible fitness apps, including Nike Run Club, Peloton, and Open. Heart rate data can also be viewed later in the Apple Health app. Beats notes that when using an Apple Watch, the watch’s heart rate reading will always take precedence over the Powerbeats Pro 2’s readings.

Heart rate monitoring starts and stops automatically in compatible iOS apps. Android users will need to manually activate it via the Beats app or by double-pressing and holding the button on either earbud. Because good contact is important for the heart rate function, the earbuds come with five sets of different-sized ear tips.

Unlike the original Powerbeats Pro, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature ANC noise cancellation powered by Apple’s H2 chip. This chip gives the headphone owner many other Apple ecosystem features, such as audio sharing, button-less Siri voice calls, personalized spatial audio, and Find My device support. Android users can use the Beats app, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 don’t support many Google OS features like Fast Pair or Find My Device.

The battery life of the Powerbeats Pro 2 has been significantly increased: according to the manufacturer, the headphones provide up to 8 hours of continuous playback with noise cancellation on, or 10 hours without it. When recharging in the case, the total battery life will be 36 hours with noise cancellation on, or 45 hours without it. Sweat and water protection correspond to IPX4, but the ventilation system of the headphones has been redesigned to better protect them from moisture.

Powerbeats Pro 2 are available in four colors: orange, purple, gray and black.