Nothing to launch premium Headphone (1) Pro on September 29
The high-end over-ear model features a triple-driver setup and enhanced ANC for $399.
Nothing is preparing to release a premium version of its over-ear audio lineup, the Headphone (1) Pro, on September 29. The move signals the company's intent to scale its audio ambitions with a device targeting the high-end market.
According to reports from 9to5Google and Android Authority, the Headphone (1) Pro will retail for $399 (€349), representing a $100 price increase over the standard model. The Pro version introduces significant hardware overhauls, most notably a triple-driver configuration that may utilize xMEMS technology for treble reproduction. To improve active noise cancellation (ANC), Nothing has reportedly increased the microphone count to 10, a substantial jump from the six microphones found in the original version. Additional specifications include head-tracked spatial audio and a battery life of 60 hours with ANC enabled. The device is expected to be available in black and white aluminum bodies, with tuning handled by Metropolis Studios.
Market Context
Nothing first entered the over-ear segment in the summer of 2025 with the launch of the Headphone (1). Priced at $299, the original model gained attention for its signature transparent design and an 80-hour battery life when ANC was disabled. However, the initial release was not without its critics; some reviewers noted that the sound profile suffered from over-emphasized bass when the noise cancellation was active, suggesting a need for more refined tuning in future iterations.
Why It Matters
The introduction of the Pro model represents a strategic pivot for Nothing as it attempts to move up-market into the premium audio space. By implementing a more complex triple-driver system and increasing the sensor array for ANC, the company is directly addressing the sonic criticisms of its first-generation product. This positioning places Nothing in direct competition with established high-end ANC headphones, shifting the brand's identity from a design-centric disruptor to a serious contender in high-fidelity consumer audio.
What's Next
While the September 29 date and $399 price point have been widely reported, Nothing has yet to officially confirm the specifications. Industry observers will be watching to see if the xMEMS treble drivers provide a tangible leap in clarity over traditional dynamic drivers. Furthermore, the shift from KEF tuning in the original model to Metropolis Studios for the Pro version suggests a different sonic philosophy that will be scrutinized by audiophiles upon release.