Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Powerbeats Professional 2 will obtain main upgrades with iOS 26.
- Customers can monitor extra metrics with improved accuracy.
- Probably the most worthwhile upgrades are reserved for iPhone customers.
After Apple introduced the AirPods Pro 3‘s coronary heart charge monitoring function and improved integration with the iPhone, Beats confirmed that the identical upgrades can be out there to Powerbeats Pro 2 customers. There are slight variations between the AirPods Professional 3 and Powerbeats Professional 2’s person expertise, however Beats guarantees the Powerbeats will supply Health app integration, real-time metrics monitoring, and compatibility with Siri Interactions.
Additionally: Your AirPods are getting a major audio upgrade for free – thanks to iOS 26
All the Powerbeats Professional 2’s upgrades are wrapped into the iOS 26 replace, which can be launched on Sept. 15. A serious caveat is that solely iPhone customers will obtain the Powerbeats Professional 2’s important function upgrades for now.
Extra metrics
With iOS 26, iPhone customers can put on their Powerbeats Professional 2 to trace their coronary heart charge and energy burned when beginning a real-time train session within the Health app. The earbuds can even monitor the wearer’s steps, even when their iPhone isn’t on their individual.
Additionally: Apple just got FDA clearance for Hypertension Detection – does your watch support it?
Nevertheless, not like the AirPods Professional 3, viewing real-time metrics within the iPhone’s upcoming Burn Bar is reserved for Health+ subscribers. Beforehand, customers wanted their Apple Watch to start out a exercise within the Health app, however iOS 26 will not require it. You will solely want your iPhone and Powerbeats Professional 2 or AirPods Professional 3.
Improved monitoring
When Beats first launched the Powerbeats Professional 2, the earbuds wouldn’t monitor the person’s coronary heart charge in the event that they had been carrying an Apple Watch, seemingly as a result of Apple Watch’s coronary heart charge monitoring was extra correct.
Additionally: AirPods Pro 3 vs. AirPods Pro 2: I compared both earbuds, here’s who should upgrade
The upcoming iOS 26 replace will allow the Powerbeats Professional 2 to trace your coronary heart charge alongside your Apple Watch or with out it. In response to Beats, the Powerbeats Professional 2’s software program replace contains an improved coronary heart charge monitoring algorithm for extra correct outcomes.
Higher person expertise
iPhone customers carrying the Powerbeats Professional 2 can even entry Siri Interactions, certainly one of my favourite AirPods Professional options. When you obtain an incoming name whereas in the course of an train or when your palms are full, Siri will announce who’s calling, and you’ll both nod your head “sure” to simply accept the decision or shake your head “no” to reject it.
Additionally: I tested the best Apple and Samsung smartwatches right now – here’s who wins
Lastly, iPhone customers can nonetheless monitor their coronary heart charge with the Powerbeats Professional whereas solely carrying one earbud.
Android customers will miss out on all of the upgrades talked about above, aside from the Powerbeats Professional 2’s improved coronary heart charge monitoring algorithm and notifications to assist enhance the earbuds’ match. Nevertheless, Android customers can monitor their coronary heart charge in actual time when utilizing sure health apps and tools and toggle the earbuds’ settings inside the Beats app.