Nothing Headphone (1) Live Images Leaked, Revealing Retro-Inspired Design and Physical Controls

Nothing is preparing to expand its audio portfolio with the debut of its first over-ear headphones, aptly named Headphone (1). The UK-based company will officially unveil the device on July 1, alongside the Nothing Phone (3).

While Nothing has yet to reveal any official specifications, leaked renders and live images have surfaced, offering a clearer picture of what to expect.

A Distinctive Transparent Aesthetic

Live images shared by the Nothing Fan Blog on Instagram and additional renders posted by tipster @EqualLeaks show that Headphone (1) follows the brand’s signature transparent hardware approach. The outer ear cups appear partially see-through, revealing a layered design that resembles a cassette tape. This visual callback aligns with Nothing's tendency to blend retro cues with modern minimalism.

The ear cups are rectangular at the base with an oval-shaped raised module in the center, giving them a distinctive look compared to most mainstream over-ear headphones. At least three physical buttons can be seen—two on the side and one on the outer shell—possibly for playback, volume, and pairing controls.

There’s also cushioning on both the headband and ear cups, though the images don’t show any folding hinges, suggesting that the headphones are likely non-collapsible.

Support for Wired and Wireless Audio

Despite being marketed primarily as wireless headphones, the leaks show a USB-C charging port and a 3.5mm headphone jack on the bottom of one ear cup. This confirms that the Headphone (1) will support wired listening, which remains a valuable feature for users who prioritize audio fidelity or want to avoid latency during video playback or gaming.

The images also confirm Nothing branding on the cups, in line with the company’s consistent industrial design language across its audio products.

Color Options and Expected Pricing

Nothing is reportedly planning to offer the Headphone (1) in black and white color variants globally. However, for North American markets, the white version may be replaced with a grey model. As of now, there’s no word on limited editions or special collaborations.

The pricing, while unconfirmed officially, has surfaced across multiple leak sources. In the U.S., the headphones are expected to retail for $309, while European pricing is pegged at €299 or £299, depending on the market. These figures place the Headphone (1) in the premium category, alongside established brands like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser.

Notably, Nothing has co-developed the Headphone (1) with British audio company KEF, known for its high-fidelity loudspeakers and audio equipment. This could be an indicator that Nothing is targeting a more audiophile-conscious demographic with this launch, even though technical specifications like driver size, codec support, or ANC features have yet to be revealed.

Launch Date and Availability

Nothing has confirmed a global event on July 1, where it will launch both the Phone (3) and Headphone (1). The company has not commented on regional release dates or preorder timelines.

Via