**AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2: A New Chapter in Earbud Heart Rate Monitoring**
This week saw the launch of the AirPods Pro 3, featuring groundbreaking heart rate monitoring capabilities. This release follows the earlier introduction of the Powerbeats Pro 2 in February, which marked Apple’s initial venture into earbuds with heart monitoring features.
Beats has now revealed notable enhancements to the heart rate tracking capacity of the Powerbeats Pro 2, bringing it in line with the functionalities of the AirPods Pro 3.
### Initial Challenges of Powerbeats Pro 2
At their launch, the Powerbeats Pro 2 encountered several challenges regarding heart rate monitoring. A significant drawback was the absence of integration with Apple’s Fitness app or Apple Fitness+, and the heart rate data from the Powerbeats Pro 2 could not connect with information from the Apple Watch.
### Anticipated Improvements with iOS 26
Beats has informed *9to5Mac* that these challenges will be rectified with the forthcoming iOS 26 update. Here are the primary upgrades for heart rate tracking on the Powerbeats Pro 2:
– **Integration with Apple Fitness App**: Users will now be able to initiate a workout on their iPhone and monitor their heart rate in real time, accommodating up to 50 different workout types, akin to the AirPods Pro 3.
– **Compatibility with Apple Fitness+**: Users will have access to real-time on-screen metrics for heart rate, calories burned, and the Burn Bar during their workouts.
– **Improved Data Accuracy**: The synergy of Powerbeats Pro 2 and Apple Watch will yield multiple heart rate data sources, enhancing overall precision across various workouts.
– **Step Counting**: The Powerbeats Pro 2 is now capable of counting steps even when the user does not carry their iPhone or Apple Watch.
### Comprehensive Enhancements
Further enhancements to heart rate tracking on Powerbeats Pro 2 with iOS 26 consist of:
– **New Algorithm**: A revised algorithm will boost performance with quicker heart rate readings, which will also be compatible with Android devices.
– **Fit Notifications**: Users will receive alerts on how to adjust their Powerbeats Pro fit to improve heart rate tracking.
– **Single Bud Tracking**: Heart rate tracking can now occur while a user wears only one Powerbeats Pro 2 bud.
### Hands-Free Siri Interactions
Beyond heart rate monitoring improvements, Powerbeats Pro 2 will enable hands-free gestures with Siri, enabling users to answer calls, texts, and notifications by simply nodding.
### Conclusion
These developments position the Powerbeats Pro 2 as a robust alternative to the AirPods Pro 3, particularly for those who favor the ear-hook style. Furthermore, they are currently priced $50 less than the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon, making them an attractive choice for fitness enthusiasts seeking dependable heart rate monitoring in their earbuds.
