Apple and Nike launch special edition Powerbeats Pro 2 with new colourway

Apple has partnered with Nike once again, this time to introduce a limited-edition version of its fitness-focused wireless earphones. The collaboration centres on a new colour variant of the Powerbeats Pro 2, marking a shift away from previous joint efforts that focused on accessories such as watch straps and fitness-integrated devices.

The new release, named the Nike Special Edition Powerbeats Pro 2, does not introduce new hardware features. Instead, it offers a refreshed visual design aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The product will be available to order from 20 March through both companies’ official channels.

A familiar product with a bold new design

The Nike Special Edition Powerbeats Pro 2 builds on the existing model launched last year. While the technical specifications remain unchanged, the design adopts Nike’s distinctive “Volt” colour scheme, characterised by a bright yellow-green finish that has become a recognisable part of the brand’s identity.

The earphones feature dual branding, with the Beats logo displayed on one earbud and Nike’s signature swoosh on the other. The charging case follows the same design language but adds a speckled pattern, giving it a more expressive and artistic appearance. The overall look is intended to appeal to users who favour bold, high-visibility aesthetics during workouts.

In a press statement, Beats Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer Chris Thorne said, “This isn’t just a new colourway. It’s a collision of two brands that define performance, culture and sports — the attributes of today’s athlete.” Despite this positioning, the update is primarily cosmetic, with no changes to the device’s internal components or performance capabilities.

Features remain unchanged from the previous release

Under the surface, the Nike Special Edition model retains all the features found in the standard Powerbeats Pro 2. These include built-in heart-rate tracking, active noise cancellation and support for spatial audio, making the earphones suitable for both fitness tracking and everyday listening.

The device continues to target users who prioritise stability and durability during exercise, with its secure-fit ear hooks and sweat-resistant design. Battery life and connectivity remain consistent with the original model, ensuring a familiar experience for existing Powerbeats users.

The decision to focus on design rather than functionality reflects a broader trend in consumer electronics, in which brands increasingly rely on limited-edition aesthetics to sustain interest in established products. By introducing a visually distinctive variant, Apple and Nike aim to extend the Powerbeats Pro 2’s lifecycle without requiring significant technological updates.

Marketing push led by LeBron James

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y-Gl6hhxymc?si=9uJPS_9rZnG7QrCw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

To promote the new edition, the companies have enlisted LeBron James, a long-time partner of both brands. The basketball player appears in a promotional campaign that highlights the earphones’ ability to block out distractions, reinforcing their positioning as a performance-focused accessory.

The advertisement features James using the earphones during training, with music by Lionel Richie. The campaign blends sport and entertainment, aligning with Apple and Nike’s broader branding strategy.

The Nike Special Edition Powerbeats Pro 2 will retail for US$250, matching the price of the standard version. However, the companies have confirmed that this is a limited-edition release, meaning availability may be restricted once initial stock is sold out.

By combining established technologies with distinctive designs and high-profile marketing, Apple and Nike continue to leverage their partnership to appeal to a niche audience of style-conscious athletes and fans of both brands.