Apple's New Wire-Free 'Powerbeats Pro' Pop Up in iOS 12.2 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

92 months ago
They look very cool, now release the AirPods in black Apple!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jimmy_uk Avatar
92 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)
92 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
91 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)
havenyoung Avatar
92 months ago
I need these! EarPods or AirPods don't fit my ears. They can't even stay on.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
92 months ago
Could these be the rumored second gen AirPods with heart rate sensors?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)