Apple Releases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Firmware With iOS 26 Features

[MacRumors]

Apple today released new firmware for the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds that came out earlier this year. The updated firmware has a version number of 8A353, an update to the prior 7B30 firmware that came out in March.

The updated firmware adds new functionality when combined with the iOS 26 update. The heart rate monitoring feature in the Powerbeats Pro 2 is now compatible with the Fitness app, and wearers will be able to see real-time performance metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and the Burn Bar, features that previously required an Apple Watch.

Both the Apple Watch and Powerbeats Pro 2 can be used simultaneously to provide data to the Health app, and Apple added a new algorithm that improves heart rate reading speeds. If there's a poor fit that's impacting heart rate monitoring, a new alert will suggest adjustments.

Heart rate monitoring in iOS 26 can be done with just a single earbud, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 can be used for step tracking even when the iPhone is not nearby. Apple also added support for Siri head gestures, so there is now an option to nod your head yes or shake your head no to accept or decline calls, hear or decline text messages, and more.

Most of these features are designed for iPhone users, but the improved heart rate tracking algorithm and fit notifications are also available on Android devices.

The updated firmware can be installed on the Powerbeats Pro 2 by connecting them to power and ensuring that they are in Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi. Firmware can be checked on the iPhone by going to Settings > Bluetooth and tapping the Info button next to the Beats headphones in the list. Android users can download new Beats firmware through the Beats app for Android.

Article Link: Apple Releases New Powerbeats Pro 2 Firmware With iOS 26 Features

 

[Markgnyc2]

i wish they would have added adaptive audio, thats the one feature I miss from my Airpods when I wear these to work out.

 

[activate]

Does it add head gestures.
E: Yep they are there. Also has 'Pause media when falling asleep'

 

[Gengar]

They really need to add a way to manually update these for iOS. Crazy that you can on Android, but not on an Apple device.

 

[mknawabi]

These features should have been in place before the product was released.

 

[activate]

These features should have been in place before the product was released.

Apple often adds functionalities and features for third parties several years or iterations later, like AirPlay for third-party streaming etc. I can understand the reasoning behind that.

However, unless there’s a technical reason we don’t know, delaying it for a product of your own company and one that doesn’t really compete with the AirPods is quite disappointing.

 

[neotint]

What's the point of HR data from the headphones if you have an Apple Watch, why would you want both? If there's a reason this article and/or Apple doesn't explain this obvious question any users will have. I never use the HR feature on these headphones so that battery life is improved. Apple should automatically turn beats pro 2 HR monitoring off if it detects you have an Apple Watch since there's apparently zero benefit for AW users.

 

[DravenInc]

What's the point of HR data from the headphones if you have an Apple Watch, why would you want both? If there's a reason this article and/or Apple doesn't explain this obvious question any users will have. I never use the HR feature on these headphones so that battery life is improved. Apple should automatically turn beats pro 2 HR monitoring off if it detects you have an Apple Watch since there's apparently zero benefit for AW users.

I've seen it mentioned elsewhere that the two will work in tandem to give more accurate results...how much truth there is to that, I don't know.

 

[activate]

Yes, there are numerous suggested scenarios for the benefits of their collaboration, including the medical relevance of discrepancies between the two readings.

 

[ethanwa79]

So dumb that I can’t force the firmware update. I just have to sit around and hope that they update at some point today? Ridiculous.

 

[ebika]

Mine updated to 8A353 within 10 minutes of plugging the case into power. I hope yours don't take too long, @ethanwa79.

It's interesting that on 18.6.2 I got these popups on first use of the PB2s after the 8A353 update. It's unclear if the gestures actually require iOS 26 or not. Also, someone goofed about calling them AirPods vs. Powerbeats. Usually they keep the branding separate, but maybe that only applies to their marketing material. I know they want to maintain their Android users as well as folks that might just pair these to fitness equipment with some distance from the overtly-Apple brands.


Also, I swear they sound better on 8A353. It might just be in my imagination, but it is startling how good they sound right now.

 

[Gengar]

So dumb that I can’t force the firmware update. I just have to sit around and hope that they update at some point today? Ridiculous.

They update relatively quickly if you connect them (inside the charging case) to a Mac via USB.

 

[dfroshie]

I wanted to like these so badly. It's just....well...they sound kinda bad compared to the Airpod line up ...

 

[txscott]

I have these because AirPods will not stay in my ears. Glad they got an upgrade.

 

[Premium1]

They really need to add a way to manually update these for iOS. Crazy that you can on Android, but not on an Apple device.

Agree. Not sure why they make you go through so many hoops and still are at apple's hands when it comes to the update coming in a timely manner.