iOS 26 gives Powerbeats Pro 2 real fitness upgrades

With the release of iOS 26, Apple has unlocked a powerful new set of features for Powerbeats Pro 2 owners, transforming the popular earbuds into a capable, standalone fitness tracker. A companion firmware update rolling out now allows the earbuds to send live workout data directly to the Apple Fitness app, removing the need for an Apple Watch to track key health metrics during exercise.

The update enables the Powerbeats Pro 2 to send live heart-rate and calorie data into the Apple Fitness app across dozens of supported workout types. This significantly lowers the barrier for runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who prefer a minimalist setup and don’t want to wear a watch during their activities. The integration makes the earbuds feel purpose-built for the iPhone fitness experience.

Apple has also introduced several smart refinements to improve accuracy and convenience. The sensors can now capture a user’s heart rate with just a single earbud in, and they can even track step counts when a user’s iPhone isn’t on their person. To ensure the best readings, the system will provide fit-check prompts to help users achieve a better in-ear seal for the sensors.

Beyond workout tracking, the user experience is enhanced with a faster heart-rate detection algorithm and new hands-free controls. Thanks to new Siri head-gesture capabilities, users can now simply nod their head to accept an incoming call or shake their head to decline it, all without needing to touch their device.

The new firmware is rolling out alongside the public release of iOS 26, and Apple notes that some features may be staged over the next few days. Ultimately, this update fundamentally changes the value of the Powerbeats Pro 2, positioning them as a premier audio and fitness device for iPhone users who have been waiting for a watch-free workout tracking solution within the Apple ecosystem.