Beats' completely wireless 'Powerbeats Pro' exposed in iOS 12.2 update
Buried in Monday's iOS 12.2 release are images and an animation of Beats' previously-rumored, unreleased AirPods equivalent, referred to as "Powerbeats Pro."
The product superficially resembles the Powerbeats3, including its signature earhooks. The Pro is completely wireless, however, unlike the Powerbeats 3, which has a cord connecting both earpieces.
Black and white versions should be available, and the headphones will ship with a clamshell charging case, different from the gum-dispenser style used by AirPods.
References to the Powerbeats Pro were discovered by Chance Miller and 9to5Mac.
Inclusion in iOS 12.2 could mean a release is around the corner. Last week, a report suggested that a fully wireless Powerbeats model would ship in April. It may include the H1 chip from Apple's second-generation AirPods, enabling power-efficient operation and new features like "Hey Siri" support.
While AirPods are more compact, Powerbeats are better equipped for fitness and sports thanks to their earhooks, which prevent buds from falling out, and a sweatproof design. AirPods aren't officially water-resistant, which risks electrical shorts or even low-level electrocution.
The product superficially resembles the Powerbeats3, including its signature earhooks. The Pro is completely wireless, however, unlike the Powerbeats 3, which has a cord connecting both earpieces.
Black and white versions should be available, and the headphones will ship with a clamshell charging case, different from the gum-dispenser style used by AirPods.
References to the Powerbeats Pro were discovered by Chance Miller and 9to5Mac.
Inclusion in iOS 12.2 could mean a release is around the corner. Last week, a report suggested that a fully wireless Powerbeats model would ship in April. It may include the H1 chip from Apple's second-generation AirPods, enabling power-efficient operation and new features like "Hey Siri" support.
While AirPods are more compact, Powerbeats are better equipped for fitness and sports thanks to their earhooks, which prevent buds from falling out, and a sweatproof design. AirPods aren't officially water-resistant, which risks electrical shorts or even low-level electrocution.
Comments
Unrelated aside: "...different from the gum-dispenser style used by AirPods."
I've never heard the AirPod charging case described in this manner. I thought it was universally reminiscent of a dental floss pack. What gum dispenser looks like that?
I’d love to own AirPods but they don’t stay in my ears!
Unlikely, that doesn't jibe with the Beats brand. It's audio, not medical.
I'd love for Apple to do that, but I agree with StrangeDays' reasoning.
There’s simply not enough room in the current AirPod design for sensors and extra battery. Then there’s the snug fit required for some sensor technology.
Perhaps Apple will release an Apple branded version, with these features.
I don’t agree with the argument, Beats is audio and not medical. The Apple Watch and iPhone are medical devices in their own right, headphones are an accessory. Apple is writing the playbook, and adding sensors that contribute to the whole ecosystem only strengthen their market position. Beats may not even stick around, at this point it’s a name only, the engineeeing is Apple.
Not to mention, Beats is something a heart does...
Other than the fact they useless for actual fitness folks quality-wise, they are great when they do work.
I'll wait with fingers crossed for reviews after 3-6 months on how they hold up (my Jabra Elites have been very good, reliable, great pairing... but the case is cheaply and a crappy design that is difficult to open and the sound quality is only mediocre... but they're the best overall to date... based on spending ~2000eur on about 2 dozen pairs)
I'll be looking at review as I'd consider these for times where my AirPods aren't sufficient.