Apple's New Wire-Free 'Powerbeats Pro' Pop Up in iOS 12.2

Last week, CNET shared a new rumor suggesting Apple is working on a pair of wire-free Powerbeats Wireless Earphones designed for workouts, similar in design to the AirPods. Today, those new earbuds, called the Powerbeats Pro, were spotted in iOS 12.2.

The iOS 12.2 update, which was released following Apple's event, has an image of the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ discovered by 9to5Mac, giving us our first glimpse at what Apple's Beats-branded wire-free earbuds will look like.

powerbeatsproapple
The ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ show no wire between them and are housed in a Beats-branded charging case that will provide power and a place to store the Powerbeats when not in use. It appears the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌ will be available in both black and white.

It's not clear when Apple plans to release the ‌Powerbeats Pro‌, but with imagery available in iOS 12.2, they could come relatively soon.

CNET says the new earbuds could include the H1 chip that's in Apple's recently released second-generation AirPods, and while not mentioned, it's possible the Powerbeats will also support wireless Qi charging.

The new Powerbeats could also offer better bass and water resistance than the AirPods, as well as the ability to stay in the ears during rigorous activity.

If that's the case, the Powerbeats could also be compatible with the long-awaited AirPower, which rumors suggest is supposed to be launching soon.

There's no word on what the new Powerbeats will cost. Apple priced the new AirPods with Wireless Charging Case at $199, and current Powerbeats also cost $199, so the price could stay the same or increase to match the AirPods price increase.

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

ThatiPhoneKid Avatar
90 months ago
They look very cool, now release the AirPods in black Apple!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jimmy_uk Avatar
90 months ago
Got super excited for a second but damn, powerbeats are so uncomfortable.

Bose QC30 still the most comfortable earphones I've ever tried but they don't seem to be able to make them to last beyond a year before rubber comes away from neck band.

Still searching for the 'grail' wireless earphones.....
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iMi Avatar
90 months ago
I prefer Apple's Beats products over Apple's Apple branded offerings at this point. The sound is richer and of course we have many more options. PowerBeats are okay. The new ones look very sleek. Studio 3 are fantastic. Looking forward to this one.

I still think AirPods look ridiculous...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
90 months ago
I prefer Apple's Beats products over Apple's Apple branded offerings at this point. The sound is richer and of course we have many more options. PowerBeats are okay. The new ones look very sleek. Studio 3 are fantastic. Looking forward to this one.

I still think AirPods look ridiculous...
So, so ridiculous. :rolleyes:


Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Will.O.Bie Avatar
90 months ago
Good question. Maybe as a cheaper, more affordable option to AirPods.
Beats cheaper than AirPods? I'd like to see that...:cool:

This is what I was actually looking forward to when they released the current AirPods, water resistant and is meant for heavy workouts. Now, I'm not sure if I should wait next year or get this one.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
abrantes09 Avatar
90 months ago
Beats cheaper than AirPods? I'd like to see that...:cool:
I updated the post after remembering how damn expensive my Powerbeats 3 were even with wire. This is actually scary...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)