Leaked images and videos have revealed a comprehensive look at Nothing’s highly anticipated over-ear headphones, tentatively named the Nothing Headphone1, ahead of its official unveiling next week.
The leaks depict a design that is remarkably unconventional, featuring distinctive transparent elements that have become a hallmark of Nothing’s product aesthetic. A notable inclusion is support for a 3.5mm audio cable, suggesting a commitment to versatile connectivity options. The existence of these over-ear headphones was first hinted at last month when Nothing released a video announcing their intention to launch such a product in “summer 2025.” At the time, the company maintained a high degree of secrecy regarding specific details, offering only tantalizing glimpses of their vision.
Certain teasers provided by Nothing executives now appear to align perfectly with the recently leaked designs. Tom Ridley of Nothing previously stated the company aimed to create “a more interesting looking pair of headphones that say something about you.” This sentiment is evidently reflected in the unique aesthetic revealed by the leaks. Furthermore, Adam Bates had alluded to the headphones featuring buttons with “distinct designs for each control function,” a detail that is clearly visible in the leaked imagery, showcasing multiple, seemingly purpose-built controls.
Detailed images, disseminated by the Instagram account Nothing_fan_blog, showcase the earcups of the Nothing Headphone1, which strikingly resemble a pair of quirky cassette tapes. This retro-futuristic design aligns with Nothing’s established brand identity of blending nostalgic elements with cutting-edge technology. The images clearly illustrate the presence of multiple physical buttons, presumably for controlling various audio functions such as playback, volume, and perhaps even noise cancellation settings.
The leaked visuals also confirm that the headphones will be available in at least two distinct colorways: a sleek black and a sophisticated silver, offering consumers choices to match their personal style. Prominently displayed on both earcups is the branding “Nothing Headphone1,” unequivocally identifying the product. Additionally, the phrase “Sound by KEF” is visible, indicating a potential collaboration with KEF, a renowned British manufacturer of high-end audio products. This partnership, if confirmed, could significantly elevate the audio performance and sonic fidelity of the Headphone1, lending credence to Nothing’s ambition to deliver a premium listening experience.
Further corroborating the design leaks, videos shared on X by user Arsène Lupin depict two individuals engaging with the headphones at what appears to be a private brand event. These videos distinctly show the headphones being used with a 3.5mm wired connection. The inclusion of a traditional wired option is particularly noteworthy, as it offers several advantages over wireless Bluetooth connectivity. A wired connection can potentially deliver improved audio performance due to less compression and a more stable signal. Crucially, it also eliminates the reliance on the headphone’s internal battery for operation when connected to compatible audio sources, providing an uninterrupted listening experience.
While these leaks offer a comprehensive preview, official confirmation regarding the Headphone1’s full specifications, pricing, and precise release date is imminent. According to remarks made by Nothing CEO Carl Pei at the London SXSW conference, the official announcement of the Nothing Headphone1 is scheduled for July 1st. This highly anticipated reveal will coincide with the launch of Nothing’s incoming flagship smartphone, the Phone3, indicating a coordinated product rollout strategy designed to maximize impact and reinforce the brand’s ecosystem.
