Apple's New Wire-Free 'Powerbeats Pro' Pop Up in iOS 12.2 - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
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

iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 12 New Features

Wednesday March 18, 2026 7:39 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another six months or so, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component...
ios 26 4 yellow

Here Are Apple's Release Notes for iOS 26.4

Wednesday March 18, 2026 11:56 am PDT by
Apple provided developers and public beta testers with the release candidate versions of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, which means we're going to see a public launch as soon as next week. The RC versions of the software include Apple's official release notes, giving us final details on what's included in the update. Apple Music - Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your...
Apple Logo Sketch Feature

Apple Has Now Unveiled Eight New Products This Month

Tuesday March 17, 2026 9:25 am PDT by
Apple has unveiled a whopping eight new products so far this March, including an iPhone 17e, iPad Air models with the M4 chip, MacBook Air models with the M5 chip, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the all-new MacBook Neo, an updated Studio Display, a higher-end Studio Display XDR, and now the AirPods Max 2 this week. iPhone 17e features the same overall design as the iPhone...

Top Rated Comments

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