It took longer than expected, but Beats finally got around to releasing follow-ups for its most popular wireless audio products. We got the long-awaited Solo 4 on-ear headphones and revamped Pill portable speaker last year. Then the company debuted the highly anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 a few months later. All three offerings earned favorable reviews and they stand out as some of the top picks in their respective categories.
But there’s one product that has yet to receive the sequel treatment. It is arguably the most underrated SKU in the Beats catalog. I’m talking about the Studio Pro headphones. They came out in Summer 2023 and have been abandoned ever since (any advertising is nonexistent.) Maybe launching an in-house AirPods Max competitor wasn’t the wisest choice.
Then again, Beats has shown it can create better headphones and earbuds than Apple. Many still consider the Fit Pro superior to the AirPods Pro 2, and some critics believe the original Studio Pro are a greater value than Apple’s flagship headphones, based on battery life, connectivity and sound.
Beats needs to close the chapter on its first-ever noise-cancelling headphones and pull the trigger on the Studio Pro 2. ASAP.
1. Apple’s new listening modes
It’s crazy that the only Apple headphones or earbuds to support the company’s latest listening modes are the AirPods Pro 2. Not even the AirPods Max with USB-C come with them. If Apple isn’t launching the AirPods Max 2 any time soon, then pass these in-demand features onto the Studio Pro 2.
Adaptive Audio does a terrific job of adjusting audio and blending ANC and Transparency modes to produce the best listening experience possible. There are also multiple health hearing modes that would transform the headphones into a hearing aid. Another cool feature worth mentioning is Head Gestures to execute call management and Siri voice commands with a head nod or headshake.
These are all absent on Beats releases.
2. Wireless hi-res audio
Yes, the first-gen Studio Pro support hi-res audio… via wired mode. Just like the second-gen AirPods Max. Beats has never been afraid to step outside of Apple’s ecosystem and welcome features unavailable on all AirPods models. Multipoint technology is a prime example (pairing Beats headphones to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time is so convenient).
We want wireless hi-res audio on the Studio Pro 2. Apple’s ALAC codec coding format hasn’t taken off. Therefore, Beats must consider other alternatives. Whether it’s aptX Adaptive/Lossless or LDAC, these codecs can dynamically adjust audio quality and latency playback on the Studio Pro 2 for optimal music streaming on Android devices.
3. Sturdier craftsmanship
Beats headphones are some of the most attractive and stylish audio products you can buy. They’re also fragile and come apart easily if not cared for properly. The hinges sound like they are going to snap off every time you extend them.
In addition, the hard plastic-covered earcups and rubberized headband don’t feel as plush as the materials used on other luxury rivals (examine the beautifully crafted Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 for reference).
Since the Studio Pro 2 are likely to share the same MSRP as their predecessor ($349), they deserve a more premium and robust design. Reverting to the OG Beats Pro headphone design with mostly aluminum construction seems unrealistic, but if Beats can figure out how to make the design lighter, then go for it.
4. Improve on the Powerbeats Pro 2’s health integration
Beats practically owns the sports earbuds market, especially after Jabra killed its consumer earbuds business (a decision we’ve pleaded for them reconsider). Over-ear sports headphones are niche right now.
However, there is a need for them. I learned this after swapping out my AirPods Pro 2 for the Raycon Fitness Headphones. If the Studio Pro 2 ever came to fruition, they would dominate the sports headphones category right out of the gate.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 introduced cool features like a built-in heart rate monitor that transfers biometric data to compatible iOS/Android apps. Some of these include Nike Run Club, Peloton, Runna, Open, Slopes, YaoYao, and Ladder.
HRM readings aren’t as accurate as what the Apple Watch records, but the technology helps gauge fitness goals. Where the Powerbeats Pro 2 served as a launching pad for these features, the Studio Pro 2 could perfect them.
5. A more advanced proprietary CPU
Beats developed its own dual-ecosystem chipset for the original Studio Pro. This allowed the headphones to seamlessly connect with iOS/macOS and Android devices and support many platform-restricted features. It expanded functionality and made pairing flawless over Bluetooth.
I don’t know if Beats stopped assigning its CPU to current devices (they all run on Apple’s H2 chip). In any case, the Studio Pro 2 require a more powerful proprietary chip – one that combines most of the H2’s perks with exclusive brand features.
Heart rate monitoring is already accounted for. Previously mentioned suggestions like hi-res audio seem ideal. Beats may even want to consider engineering its own spatial audio format, which could be universally compatible with all stereo content, like Bose’s Immersive Audio format on the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
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