Powerbeats Pro 2: Major Update Coming with iOS 26, But Some Caveats Remain

Get ready for enhanced fitness tracking and smarter features—Powerbeats Pro 2 users with iPhones will see the biggest upgrades with iOS 26.

If you're like me, always on the hunt for earbuds that double as a fitness buddy, the news about Powerbeats Pro 2's upcoming update is thrilling. Apple’s latest iOS 26 update promises to supercharge these earbuds with a suite of health and usability enhancements. But, of course, there’s a catch that might make some users pause.

More Metrics, More Precision

With iOS 26 rolling out on September 15, iPhone users will finally get to enjoy tracking heart rate and calories burned live during workouts right in the Fitness app. Imagine your Powerbeats Pro 2 becoming your workout sidekick, even if you leave your iPhone behind during a run—these earbuds will still track your steps!

Here’s the scoop though: unlike AirPods Pro 3, the real-time Burn Bar metric on your iPhone is exclusive to Fitness+ subscribers. And if you’re wondering whether you need an Apple Watch to kick off your workout tracking, that’s old news—iOS 26 removes that hurdle. All you need is your iPhone paired with either Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3.

Heart Rate Tracking, Now Smarter Than Ever

Remember when the original Powerbeats Pro 2 launched without heart rate tracking if you were wearing an Apple Watch? That was because the Apple Watch’s tracking was considered more accurate, but that left Powerbeats users wanting more.

The upcoming iOS 26 update changes the game by enabling the Powerbeats Pro 2 to track your heart rate whether you have an Apple Watch on or not. It’s powered by an improved heart rate algorithm designed by Beats to deliver more accurate, reliable data. For fitness geeks and casual gym-goers alike, this means better insight into your performance without juggling multiple devices.

Enhanced User Experience with Siri Interactions

One of the slickest features borrowed from AirPods Pro is the Siri Interactions upgrade. Picture this: you’re mid-rep in the gym or cycling, and a call comes through. Siri will announce the caller’s name, and you can simply nod “yes” to answer or shake your head “no” to decline—all hands-free. It’s like having your own personal assistant who knows when you’re busy and respects your flow.

iPhone users also get the nifty ability to monitor their heart rate using just one Powerbeats Pro 2 earbud, which is perfect for those times when you want to stay connected but keep one ear free.

Android Users: Not Left Completely Behind

If you’re on Android, the landscape is a bit different. You won’t get all the real-time tracking bells and whistles or Siri’s help, but there’s still good news. The improved heart rate tracking algorithm will be available, as well as notifications to help you adjust your earbuds for the best fit. Plus, certain fitness apps and equipment on Android can track your heart rate live while using Powerbeats Pro 2, and you can tweak your earbuds’ settings via the Beats app.

“Powerbeats Pro 2 are stepping up their game with iOS 26, bringing fitness tracking closer to the level of AirPods Pro 3 — but only iPhone users get the full experience.”

Wrapping It Up

For those invested in the Apple ecosystem, Powerbeats Pro 2 are about to get a serious upgrade that turns them into more than just workout headphones—they become a fitness partner. However, Android users and those without Fitness+ subscriptions might feel like they’re missing out on key features. Still, the improved heart rate tracking alone is a meaningful step forward.

FAQ

• What new features will Powerbeats Pro 2 get with iOS 26?
  Users with iPhones can track heart rate, calories burned, and steps more accurately during workouts. They also gain Siri Interactions for call management and real-time metrics in the Fitness app.
• Is Fitness+ subscription required for all new features?
  Only the exclusive Burn Bar real-time metric requires Fitness+ on iPhone. Other heart rate tracking and step-count features do not.
• Can Powerbeats Pro 2 track heart rate while wearing an Apple Watch?
  Yes! The new update allows simultaneous heart rate tracking from Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple Watch thanks to an improved algorithm.
• Do Android users get these new updates?
  Android users receive the enhanced heart rate tracking algorithm and fit notifications, but real-time metrics and Siri Interactions are not available.
• Is it possible to track heart rate with just one Powerbeats Pro 2 earbud?
  Yes, iPhone users can monitor their heart rate wearing only one earbud, which adds convenience during workouts or calls.

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