Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
Powerbeats Pro Feature IPX4 Water Resistance Rating
Apple claims that its new Powerbeats Pro earbuds feature a "reinforced design" that makes them sweat and water resistant, but there are still a lot of questions about what that specifically means given that past Beats headphones have experienced failures due to moisture exposure.
As it turns out, the Powerbeats Pro feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they're certified to hold up to water splashing against the enclosure from any direction, but have the potential to fail when immersed or exposed to jets of water.
The IP4X rating, as iMore points out, is mentioned in a reviewer's guide that was provided to media sites that have early access to the earbuds. It is not included in Apple's official marketing materials.
Apple promotes the Powerbeats Pro as being resistant to sweat and water, making them ideal for working out and other fitness-related activities. The Verge was told in April that the Powerbeats Pro have been engineered to handle "all of your sweat without fail."
It does not appear that Apple's earlier headphones, such as the BeatsX or the Powerbeats 3, have official Ingress Protection ratings, which may mean that they weren't subjected to testing.
Apple's Powerbeats 3 earbuds were marketed as sweat and water resistant, but there have been reports of failures after extended sweat exposure, which leaves some questions about the Powerbeats Pro.
With an IPX4 rating, the Powerbeats Pro should be able to survive sweat exposure, but we're not going to know how they hold up until users have had time to properly test them out over time.
For comparison's sake, the current 2018 iPhones have an IPX7 rating and can survive total immersion in water. Powerbeats Pro should not be submerged in liquids with an IPX4 rating, and you're going to want to keep them as dry as possible.
Avoiding sweat during physical activity is impossible, but keeping them out of the rain and the shower is advised, as is drying them off after a long workout.
As it turns out, the Powerbeats Pro feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, which means they're certified to hold up to water splashing against the enclosure from any direction, but have the potential to fail when immersed or exposed to jets of water.
The IP4X rating, as iMore points out, is mentioned in a reviewer's guide that was provided to media sites that have early access to the earbuds. It is not included in Apple's official marketing materials.
Apple promotes the Powerbeats Pro as being resistant to sweat and water, making them ideal for working out and other fitness-related activities. The Verge was told in April that the Powerbeats Pro have been engineered to handle "all of your sweat without fail."
It does not appear that Apple's earlier headphones, such as the BeatsX or the Powerbeats 3, have official Ingress Protection ratings, which may mean that they weren't subjected to testing.
Apple's Powerbeats 3 earbuds were marketed as sweat and water resistant, but there have been reports of failures after extended sweat exposure, which leaves some questions about the Powerbeats Pro.
With an IPX4 rating, the Powerbeats Pro should be able to survive sweat exposure, but we're not going to know how they hold up until users have had time to properly test them out over time.
For comparison's sake, the current 2018 iPhones have an IPX7 rating and can survive total immersion in water. Powerbeats Pro should not be submerged in liquids with an IPX4 rating, and you're going to want to keep them as dry as possible.
Avoiding sweat during physical activity is impossible, but keeping them out of the rain and the shower is advised, as is drying them off after a long workout.
Tag: Powerbeats Pro Guide
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Top Rated Comments
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6 weeks ago
I’ve washed AirPods and they are fine, so I think Apple headphones are definitely resilient even if there is no water rating.
6 weeks ago
My Powerbeats 3 finally gave up the ghost this past weekend exactly 2 years to the day from purchase. The number of times I had to leave them in the sun in a container of rice finally wore out the adhesive on the controller and it fell apart. I was getting the frequent red/white flashing error which always meant they need a few days to dry out (I'm training for a marathon in extremely sweaty fashion).
I preordered the PBP as soon as they were available because I believe the wire and controller were the failure point on the PB3. I can't wait for them to arrive.
I preordered the PBP as soon as they were available because I believe the wire and controller were the failure point on the PB3. I can't wait for them to arrive.
6 weeks ago
My Powerbeats 3 are pretty water/sweat resistant. I've sweated a ton and even dunk water on top of my head during long hot runs and they haven't failed me.
6 weeks ago
I wore my PowerBeats3 this past weekend for the Pittsburgh Marathon. It rained, a good bit, and I didn’t experience any water issues. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
6 weeks ago
Why not IP68, so that it can be worn during swimming?
Bluetooth and underwater don't work well.
6 weeks ago
AirPods need to be IPX4.
They basically are, even if not rated as such. I exercise with them and never have issues (and I tend to sweat a lot and live in a warm, humid climate). I wouldn't wear them in the rain without an umbrella; no need to take a chance.I'm looking forward to more water resistant AirPods though.
6 weeks ago
Bluetooth and underwater don't work well.
One would the techie’s here would know that ;)
6 weeks ago
AirPods need to be IPX4.
No. They will improve as time goes on. They still remain perfect, even in 2019.[ Read All Comments ]
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