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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Powerbeats Pro 2 will receive major upgrades with iOS 26.
- Users can track more metrics with improved accuracy.
- The most valuable upgrades are reserved for iPhone users.
After Apple announced the AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate tracking feature and improved integration with the iPhone, Beats confirmed that the same upgrades will be available to Powerbeats Pro 2 users. There are slight differences between the AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2’s user experience, but Beats promises the Powerbeats will offer Fitness app integration, real-time metrics tracking, and compatibility with Siri Interactions.
Also: Your AirPods are getting a major audio upgrade for free – thanks to iOS 26
All of the Powerbeats Pro 2’s upgrades are wrapped into the iOS 26 update, which will be released on Sept. 15. A major caveat is that only iPhone users will receive the Powerbeats Pro 2’s significant feature upgrades for now.
More metrics
With iOS 26, iPhone users can wear their Powerbeats Pro 2 to track their heart rate and calories burned when starting a real-time exercise session in the Fitness app. The earbuds will also track the wearer’s steps, even when their iPhone is not on their person.
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However, unlike the AirPods Pro 3, viewing real-time metrics in the iPhone’s upcoming Burn Bar is reserved for Fitness+ subscribers. Previously, users needed their Apple Watch to start a workout in the Fitness app, but iOS 26 won’t require it. You’ll only need your iPhone and Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3.
Improved tracking
Nina Raemont/ZDNET
When Beats first launched the Powerbeats Pro 2, the earbuds would not track the user’s heart rate if they were wearing an Apple Watch, likely because Apple Watch’s heart rate tracking was more accurate.
Also: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared both earbuds, here’s who should upgrade
The upcoming iOS 26 update will enable the Powerbeats Pro 2 to track your heart rate alongside your Apple Watch or without it. According to Beats, the Powerbeats Pro 2’s software update includes an improved heart rate tracking algorithm for more accurate results.
Better user experience
iPhone users wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2 will also access Siri Interactions, one of my favorite AirPods Pro features. If you receive an incoming call while in the middle of an exercise or when your hands are full, Siri will announce who’s calling, and you can either nod your head “yes” to accept the call or shake your head “no” to reject it.
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Finally, iPhone users can still track their heart rate with the Powerbeats Pro while only wearing one earbud.
Android users will miss out on all the upgrades mentioned above, except for the Powerbeats Pro 2’s improved heart rate tracking algorithm and notifications to help improve the earbuds’ fit. However, Android users can track their heart rate in real time when using certain fitness apps and equipment and toggle the earbuds’ settings within the Beats app.
