Following Apple’s recent “Awe Dropping” event, the AirPods Pro 3 may appear to be the ultimate fitness earbuds for iPhone users. While that may be valid, Apple offers another “pro” variant that could suit your needs better, particularly if you struggle with conventional earbuds staying in place.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 were launched earlier this year, merging features typical of AirPods into a design ideally meant for fitness enthusiasts. Unlike the AirPods Pro, the Powerbeats Pro 2 includes ear hooks to help secure them in your ears. Additionally, they are the first earbuds from Apple to feature a built-in heart rate monitor—though it has been noted by DailyHackly’s Senior Health Editor Beth Skwarecki that the accuracy of this sensor is questionable.

While the AirPods Pro 3 also incorporate a heart rate monitor and boast features like Fitness app integration, it’s important to note that fitness capabilities aren’t exclusive to the latest AirPods. Beats recently announced iOS 26 updates for the Powerbeats Pro 2, as detailed by 9to5Mac, which will delight those who have already invested in these earbuds this year.

Integration with the Apple Fitness App

Similar to the AirPods Pro 3, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will enable you to monitor workouts through the Fitness app. According to 9to5Mac, users can initiate one of fifty different workout types on their iPhones, tracking heart rate via their earbuds.

Apple Fitness+ Compatibility

For subscribers of Apple Fitness+, real-time metrics such as heart rate and calories burned will be accessible, alongside the Burn Bar feature, which compares your intensity level to that of others doing the same workout. The data is sourced from the Powerbeats Pro 2.

Heart Rate Monitoring Features

The Powerbeats Pro 2 will tap into “multiple sources of heart rate data” to enhance accuracy. A forthcoming algorithm update for both iOS and Android will optimize performance to facilitate quicker heart rate readings, and users will receive notifications suggesting adjustments for a better fit to enhance tracking accuracy.

Single Earbud Heart Rate Monitoring

In an interesting development, users will now be able to track their heart rate using just one earbud. This feature remains to be evaluated in terms of its reliability compared to using both earbuds collectively.

Step Tracking Capability

With the introduction of iOS 26, the Powerbeats Pro 2 will also have the functionality to count steps independently, eliminating the need for an iPhone or Apple Watch. This innovation hints at the ambition of Beats to replace traditional fitness tracking devices with a pair of earbuds.

Hands-Free Controls

Post-update, iPhone users can utilize hands-free gestures to operate Siri while wearing the Powerbeats Pro 2, mirroring capabilities found in select AirPods. This includes nodding to affirm or shaking the head to deny while responding to Siri about calls and messages.