The Powerbeats Pro 2 has been criticized for its heart rate tracking capabilities, particularly on iOS, where users are forced to choose between music and heart rate monitoring during workouts. YouTuber DC Rainmaker noted that while Apple confirmed connectivity issues, heart rate tracking is not reliable on iOS compared to Android. At launch, Apple restricted compatible partner apps, causing further limitations in functionality for users. Attempts to streamline workout accessories with the earbuds are hampered by these frustrations, as fitness enthusiasts seek better integration and performance from the product.
In my testing, I unfortunately couldn't get the Powerbeats Pro 2 to connect with the treadmills or bikes at my local gym (because it's hard to get any peripherals to connect to the ancient machines there). Regardless, it's counterintuitive to make users choose between heart rate and music on gym equipment. The whole draw of adding heart rate to headphones is that you can theoretically consolidate workout peripherals.
Rainmaker, and other fitness influencers like Shervin Shares, also maintain that the Powerbeats Pro 2 don't track heart rate on iOS apps as reliably as they do on Android apps. On that front, Apple and Beats told The Verge in a press briefing that heart rate features on iOS were limited to seven partner apps at launch.
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