Apple this week introduced the AirPods Pro 3 with new heart rate monitoring capabilities. This release follows the introduction of the Powerbeats Pro 2, which were released in February as Apple's first headphones with heart rate monitoring capabilities.
Beats has confirmed that the heart rate monitoring app on the Powerbeats Pro 2 will receive a major upgrade to reflect the functionality offered by the AirPods Pro 3.
When the Powerbeats Pro 2 launched in February, there were some limitations with heart rate tracking. There was no integration with Apple's Fitness app or Apple Fitness+, nor was there a way for the Powerbeats Pro 2's heart rate data to interact with data from the Apple Watch.
Beats has now confirmed that all of that is changing with iOS 26.Here are the new features for heart rate monitoring on the Powerbeats Pro 2:
With iOS 26, Powerbeats Pro 2 will support Apple’s Fitness app, allowing users to sync their heart rate data with other devices . This means users will be able to track their heart activity in real time and receive detailed reports through the Fitness app.
Additionally, Powerbeats Pro 2 will offer improved heart rate tracking accuracy, providing more reliable health data for users. This improvement will allow users to more accurately track their heart activity during exercise or other activities.
Finally, the Powerbeats Pro 2 add support for hands-free gestures with Siri, allowing users to nod their head to respond positively or negatively to incoming calls, messages, and other notifications.
These improvements make the Powerbeats Pro 2 an attractive alternative to the AirPods Pro 3 for people who prefer the ear-hook design. Plus, they're currently $50 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 3, making them a cost-effective option for those looking for advanced heart rate monitoring features and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
