Beats' equivalent to the AirPods are now practically confirmed. 9to5Mac has discovered that iOS 12.2 includes images of the Powerbeats Pro, an all-wireless pair of earbuds that appears to be aimed at the more athletic crowd.
At first glance, they look similar to the Powerbeats 3 from a couple of years ago. The biggest difference, of course, is there are no wires anywhere. Much like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro are Bluetooth-enabled and can be recharged when put inside their carrying case. It's not clear if the case itself supports wireless power, however.
Powerbeats Pro
Beyond the images, there really isn't much that's known at the moment, although they'll apparently support "Hey Siri" commands similar to the just-unveiled second-generation AirPods. CNET previously reported that there would be a new wireless Powerbeats, and it would include AirPods 2's H1 chip, which might also mean longer-lasting battery.
The existing Powerbeats 3 offers up to 12 hours of wireless music playback. It's unclear if the Powerbeats Pro would match that. The charging case, provided it supports charging, might make it easier for users to charge on the go, however.
Though the AirPods have become overwhelmingly popular, especially for people who just made the switch to wireless audio, some people prefer the Powerbeats due to its more workout-friendly design. There are inbuilt clips to help them stay tethered even as users jump, run, or perform all sorts of maneuvers. They also incorporate various ear tip designs to accommodate different ear types and sizes.
Powerbeats Pro Pricing And Release Date
Reports say the Powerbeats Pro will launch sometime this April, but there's no evidence to support this claim. As for pricing, the Powerbeats 3 currently retails for $199, though they're often available cheaper from third-party sellers. Pricing for the Powerbeats Pro is unclear, but the fact that iOS 12.2 includes images of it means more details will be announced soon.
