Apple's first headphones with heart rate monitoring feature! The new Beats sports headphones are equipped with the H2 chip and support active noise cancellation

Apple's Beats brand launched the newly designed Powerbeats Pro 2 on Tuesday, featuring active noise cancellation (ANC), heart rate monitoring, and more.

The new Powerbeats Pro 2 adds several features from the AirPods, including transparency mode (which allows users to hear external sounds more easily) and the H2 chip (providing better sound quality). Additionally, it supports an improved version of spatial audio (3D immersive listening experience) and comes with a more compact charging case that supports wireless charging.

The earphone body is also smaller, with a 20% weight reduction, making it more compact and less bulky when worn. Beats stated that they optimized the shape of the earphones and acoustic structure to enhance comfort and create a more effective seal. Moreover, physical buttons are retained, with volume control buttons on each side, while the "b" logo button can be used for playback, calls, and other multifunctional operations. This earphone also supports IPX4 water resistance, so there's no need to worry about damage from sweat during exercise.

The charging case has also become more compact, with a size reduction of 33% compared to the Powerbeats Pro charging case. However, due to the need to accommodate ear hooks, the charging case is still relatively large compared to most earphone cases on the market. It supports wireless charging, and the back of the case features a USB-C port for wired charging. The internal compartment of the charging case integrates a pairing button for manual pairing when needed.

At the same time, the heart rate monitoring feature is a first for Apple's headphone products, marking Apple's further expansion into the health sector. This feature is based on technology already used in the Apple Watch.

Media reports indicate that this release comes after Apple's wearable device business showed weak performance during the holiday season. Sales in this department (including home products and accessories) fell nearly 2% in the December quarter to about $11.8 billion, below analysts' previous expectations of $12 billion.

The new earphones are priced at $250, the same as the previous generation, and are available in black, orange, purple, and a color called "quick sand." This price is on par with the AirPods Pro 2, but Powerbeats are more popular among the sports crowd. Their design features an ear hook structure that secures them more firmly in the wearer's ears, making them ideal for sports scenarios.

Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president responsible for Beats, as well as the company's sports, Apple TV+, and Apple Music businesses, stated that the new Powerbeats are "the most stunning product in Beats brand history." Apple acquired Beats and its music streaming service Beats Music for $3 billion in 2014, which remains the company's largest acquisition to date.

The heart rate monitoring feature is compatible with several fitness apps, such as Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, and the related data can also be synced to the Apple Health app. Additionally, these earphones can be used with Android devices According to previous media reports, Apple is also developing AirPods that support heart rate monitoring, but this product will take several months to launch.

Compared to Apple's best-selling headphone product, AirPods, Powerbeats has an advantage in battery life. The earbuds can be used for 10 hours, and with the charging case, they can provide 45 hours of battery life. In contrast, AirPods have a single-use battery life of only 6 hours, with a maximum of 30 hours when paired with the charging case. However, AirPods have other unique advantages, such as the newly launched hearing assistance feature.

In addition to the new Beats, Apple plans to announce a new version of the iPhone SE as early as this week