Nothing is reportedly preparing to unveil a premium version of its over-ear lineup: the Headphone (1) Pro. Set to launch on September 29, this new model is expected to carry a price tag of $399 (approx. €349), placing it $100 above the standard Headphone (1) variant. This follows the brand’s release of more budget-friendly headphones earlier this year.
What upgrades to expect
The Headphone (1) Pro looks to bring several hardware and design enhancements. Battery life is reported at around 60 hours, which is lower than both the 80 hours offered by the regular Headphone (1) and the 135 hours of its predecessor, the Headphone (a). The build is tipped to include aluminum, giving it a more premium feel. On the connectivity front, the Pro model is expected to support Bluetooth 6.1. In terms of active noise cancellation, it may feature up to 10 microphonesto help reduce ambient sounds.
On the audio side, the tuning is likely to be handled by Metropolis Studiosin Europe, with the Pro model rumored to offer a triple-driver systemfor improved sound detail. These upgrades appear focused on refining sound clarity and noise isolation rather than pushing battery life higher than the existing models.
Price positioning and what this means
At $399, the Headphone (1) Pro could be aiming squarely at audiophiles who want more premium materials and stronger noise cancellation without stepping into ultra-high-end territory. The trade-off seems to be in battery life versus features: while the older models outlast it on a single charge, the Pro may make up for that with elevated sound quality and build.
Backing from a name like Metropolis Studios signals that Nothing is taking sound engineering seriously for this release, hinting that the Pro won’t just be about materials and specs but also about how these headphones actually sound. The aluminum finish, number of mics for ANC, and triple drivers all suggest a much more considered approach than earlier models.
The short timeline until September 29 means few surprises are likely — the leaked specs may reflect what we’ll see almost exactly. None of this has been officially confirmed yet, so until the launch, it’s worth keeping an eye out for changes. But if the leaks hold up, this could be a solid option for those who felt the current Headphone (1) didn’t go far enough in build and sound.
Analysis: The Headphone (1) Pro appears to mark a pivot for Nothing, pushing deeper into the premium over-ear market. The choice to prioritize sound refinement — via a triple-driver setup and studio tuning — over marathon battery life suggests an effort to appeal to discerning listeners rather than casual users. For people seeking true high-fidelity wireless headphones with strong ANC and build quality, the Pro may hit the sweet spot. Key will be how much real-world performance adds up against its higher price. Watch for reviews after launch to see if it earns its premium.
