New Powerbeats Pro 2 Will Have Day One Firmware Update

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming Powerbeats Pro 2 will have a day one firmware update available, as Apple has just released new software for the earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 will ship with 7B15 firmware, and the new firmware has a 7B24 version number.

There's no word on what's included in the new firmware, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 have heart rate monitoring functionality that's never before been included in Apple earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have built-in optical LED sensors that measure heart rate through blood flow in the ears.

Along with heart rate monitoring, the Powerbeats Pro 2 include Active Noise Cancellation, Personalized Spatial Audio, Apple's H2 chip for connectivity, and improved sound thanks to a redesigned acoustic architecture.

As for design, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have an earhook that's 50 percent smaller than the earhook from the original Powerbeats, more ear tip sizes, 20 percent lighter weight, and a slimmed down case with better battery life.

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.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 can be ordered from Apple's website starting today, and they are set to launch on Thursday, February 13. Apple is selling the Powerbeats Pro 2 for $250.

Article Link: New Powerbeats Pro 2 Will Have Day One Firmware Update

 

[alchemistmuffin]

There's no word on what's included in the new firmware, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 have heart rate monitoring functionality that's never before been included in Apple earbuds. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have built-in optical LED sensors that measure heart rate through blood flow in the ears.

With that being said, it’s best to consider the heart rate monitoring on Powerbeats Pro 2 as “beta” since it’s a first in any Apple earbuds product. Apple is most likely putting this on Beats product to test it out and fine tune it before making it available to masses on AirPods Pro 3.

 

[goonie4life9]

Wow, talk about a break-neck pace of innovation. Now Apple’s ALL NEW products are made again ALL NEW as soon as they get into customer’s hands. Tim sure wasn’t kidding about the pipeline being the strongest ever.

But seriously, I hope folks start to realize all these stories about “last minute” changes are nothing but tutti-fruitti, phoney-baloney, plastic banana, good time, rock-n-roll Apple PR to build “hype.” These products are locked-in months in advance, which is why they need day-1 updates.

 

[hieranonymous]

The fact that the HR functionality doesn’t integrate with Apple Watch workouts is massively disappointing.

 

[devinher]

This sounds pretty great. With this update, does the Beats Fit Pro have a reason to exist anymore?

 

[thefrost]

Nice I guess.

 

[Premium1]

If only they would make a check for update button like their other devices instead of having to jump through hoops like you are trying to summon the raiders of the lost ark just to hope that the device updates...

 

[TJFDenver]

Dre will comply

 

[UnbreakableAlex]

How is the wind noise cancelation? the EarPods Pro II are unusable when its windy, starting from 10km/h.

 

[USB-Adapter]

I was thinking about getting AirPods Pro 2.
Should I get the new Powerbeats Pro 2 instead?
My old AirPods Pro keep falling out, especially the right one, while my very old AirPods 2 stay in like they were glued in.
I would use the non-AirPods, but I need noise cancellation when listening to audiobooks in the gym.

 

[ascender]

This sounds pretty great. With this update, does the Beats Fit Pro have a reason to exist anymore?

As someone who went through 3 or 4 pairs of Powerbeats Pro due to them failing over time (within 6 months), I'll be waiting to see how these fare once users have had them for a while.

Conversely, my Beats Fit Pro from launch day are still working without any issues.

I am convinced the Powerbeats Pro issue was down to moisture and sweat getting in to the units, possibly because of the physical button or how the units were sealed.

 

[TJFDenver]

As someone who went through 3 or 4 pairs of Powerbeats Pro due to them failing over time (within 6 months), I'll be waiting to see how these fare once users have had them for a while.

Conversely, my Beats Fit Pro from launch day are still working without any issues.

I am convinced the Powerbeats Pro issue was down to moisture and sweat getting in to the units, possibly because of the physical button or how the units were sealed.

my beats fit pro do fit better that APP2 for me ... but eventually, under heavy activity, fall out ...

I too went through 4+ PBP w/charging/seating issues, sweat/water/IP6x issues ...

I'm taking a leap of faith that SOMEONE at iApple has been listening over the past 5+ years and has rectified these issues without creating new issues

 

[dsampley]

Mine just delivered. They do feel comfortable on the ears for me. The sound has more bass then my AirPods Pro.

 

[TendiesFourLyfe]

So far nothing game changing for me, will need to play more with the fit

Update: Firmware updated before they even finished charging for the first time

 

[Pug72]

Mine just delivered. They do feel comfortable on the ears for me. The sound has more bass then my AirPods Pro.

Not as good sounding to me as my AirPods Pro 2 sadly. I'd say they are on a par with the gen 1 AirPods Pro as I get the same noticeable improvement when swapping from PBP2 to APP2 that I remember having going from APP1 to APP2.

Shame as I really wanted to like these.

 

[Burger Thing]

Not as good sounding to me as my AirPods Pro 2 sadly. I'd say they are on a par with the gen 1 AirPods Pro as I get the same noticeable improvement when swapping from PBP2 to APP2 that I remember having going from APP1 to APP2.

Shame as I really wanted to like these.

I feel exactly the same. Makes me wonder if they are in fact just re-hashed APP 1s. For how they sound they are too expensive. ANC is not great either. For that price they should be on par sound- and ANC-wise with the soon to upgraded APP2.

 

[huanbrother]

I was thinking about getting AirPods Pro 2.
Should I get the new Powerbeats Pro 2 instead?
My old AirPods Pro keep falling out, especially the right one, while my very old AirPods 2 stay in like they were glued in.
I would use the non-AirPods, but I need noise cancellation when listening to audiobooks in the gym.

I own the APP2 and have been using them for about 2 years, and I just picked up the PBP2 today from my local Apple Store.

Here are my thoughts (based on the new firmware):

1. Potential conflict with glasses: The fit may interfere with glasses legs, so it’s a good idea to try them out before purchasing—or ensure there’s a return policy in place (I’m in China, so only the Apple Store offers the best return experience lol).
2. Ear tip size: You might need larger ear tips. I use the default M-sized tips with the APP2, but for the PBP2 to get a proper seal, I need at least the L-sized ones. Odd, but it works.
3. ANC performance: The ANC on the PBP2 isn’t better than the APP2, even though the APP2’s latest firmware update has made high-pitched sound reduction a bit less effective than before.
4. Battery life: The battery life is impressive. With ANC on, it can reach the 10-hour mark. My APP2 now lasts just over 4 hours (less than 4.5 hours), so there’s a clear difference.
5. Fit: The fit is great, as long as there’s no conflict with your glasses. However, the forced upsize of the ear tip can be a bit uncomfortable. It’s strange, but it’s something to consider.

 

[mizzoucat]

Just picked mine up from Best Buy. They DEFINITELY sound worse than the AirPods Pro 2. I’m going to update the firmware and see if that helps but I’m going to keep them regardless as l like the secure fit when working out.

 

[mizzoucat]

I also don’t feel like the bass is better than the AirPods Pro 2 like a lot of people are saying.

 

[USB-Adapter]

I own the APP2 and have been using them for about 2 years, and I just picked up the PBP2 today from my local Apple Store.

Here are my thoughts (based on the new firmware):

1. Potential conflict with glasses: The fit may interfere with glasses legs, so it’s a good idea to try them out before purchasing—or ensure there’s a return policy in place (I’m in China, so only the Apple Store offers the best return experience lol).
2. Ear tip size: You might need larger ear tips. I use the default M-sized tips with the APP2, but for the PBP2 to get a proper seal, I need at least the L-sized ones. Odd, but it works.
3. ANC performance: The ANC on the PBP2 isn’t better than the APP2, even though the APP2’s latest firmware update has made high-pitched sound reduction a bit less effective than before.
4. Battery life: The battery life is impressive. With ANC on, it can reach the 10-hour mark. My APP2 now lasts just over 4 hours (less than 4.5 hours), so there’s a clear difference.
5. Fit: The fit is great, as long as there’s no conflict with your glasses. However, the forced upsize of the ear tip can be a bit uncomfortable. It’s strange, but it’s something to consider.

Thanks bro!
I wear glasses, so it could be a deal breaker.
Also I noticed in a video review, that the case of PP2 is a way bigger than the case of the APP. I carry my APP in that little pocket inside the right pocket of my jeans. If it doesn’t fit in there, I would probably always forget it somewhere.

 

[huanbrother]

Thanks bro!
I wear glasses, so it could be a deal breaker.
Also I noticed in a video review, that the case of PP2 is a way bigger than the case of the APP. I carry my APP in that little pocket inside the right pocket of my jeans. If it doesn’t fit in there, I would probably always forget it somewhere.

Yes even tho they say the case is 33% smaller, it’s still larger than the APP2 case.

 

[PCenthuziast]

I'm on android and I keep getting an error saying update failed and a button to try again. I have had 3 pairs because I changed my mind about what color I wanted and all 3 pairs would not update. The case was plugged into a charging cable and left open in pair mode with the buds in the case. Tried the update a few times with wifi on at home and all 3 pairs just kept giving me the error message. Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.