Apple introduced PowerBeats Pro 2 headphones — twice as expensive as AirPods, but with heart rate monitoring

Apple-owned Beats has unveiled a new generation of wireless headphones, the PowerBeats Pro 2 — sporty but a more expensive alternative to AirPods with built-in adjustable shackles for a more secure fit.

These are the first Apple headphones to get the heart rate monitoring option — the one that AirPods owners have been waiting for so long (perhaps this is a preview for the official launch?).

The new version of PowerBeats Pro retains the same design «hooks» for secure attachment, but the headphones themselves are smaller and 20% lighter, as is the charging case, which is 33% smaller than its predecessor and now supports Qi wireless charging along with USB-C.

According to the press release, both earbuds contain LED optical sensors that «pulse more than 100 times per second to measure blood flow» and then an algorithm transmits this data to compatible fitness apps, including Nike Run Club, Peloton, etc. Heart rate data can also be viewed in the Apple Health app (however, Apple Watch data will always take precedence over Powerbeats Pro 2 data for watch owners).

The iOS app will turn heart rate monitoring on and off automatically, while Android users will have to activate it manually using the Beats app or by double-clicking and holding the button.

PowerBeats Pro 2, like insiders notedreceived the Apple H2 chip, which will provide Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and other features of the Apple ecosystem, such as audio sharing, «Hey Siri» commands, personalized spatial audio, Find My support, etc.

The announcement says that PowerBeats Pro 2 can provide up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC on (or 10 with ANC off) and a total of 36 hours (or 45 with ANC off) if you take into account the additional power from the case. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the water/sweat rating (IPX4).

Powerbeats Pro 2 comes with five sets of headphone tips of different sizes, and the headphones themselves are available in four colors: orange, purple, gray, and black. The price remains at the level of its predecessor and starts from $249.

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