Bose Unveils Next Generation of QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Refined with lossless digital audio, smarter noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a refreshed design.
Announcement and Key Enhancements
Date: September 10, 2025
Bose announced the next generation of its critically acclaimed noise-cancelling headphones, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). This release builds upon the hallmarks of the QuietComfort line—world-class noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and comfort—introducing enhancements to elevate the listening experience.
The next-gen QC Ultra Headphones offer upgrades in audio and noise cancellation, including lossless USB-C audio for crystal-clear, low-latency sound. A new algorithm provides more precise adaptive noise cancellation, and Cinema Mode enhances video content with clearer dialogue.
Additional updates include extended battery life, smarter on-head detection for faster start-up, and automatic Bluetooth® standby with a deep sleep low-energy mode. These features are presented in a new premium design with polished metal materials and colorways.
The next-gen QC Ultra Headphones are available for purchase at Bose.co.uk for £449, offered in Black, White Smoke, and two limited-edition colors: Driftwood Sand and Midnight Violet.
Engineered for Exceptional Sound and Silence
The QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) continue to deliver world-class noise cancellation and acclaimed audio, enhanced by proprietary digital signal processing for superior performance.
An updated algorithm refines the ActiveSense experience in Aware Mode, enabling smoother adjustments to noise cancellation levels when filtering sudden noises. This prevents audio content from being obscured by ambient sounds like traffic or sirens.
Noise cancellation can be turned off completely or manually adjusted via the Bose app for a more personalized experience.
Lossless Audio and Immersive Experiences
New to the headphones is wired USB-C audio, enabling digital, lossless listening for greater nuance and high-fidelity sound. This feature enhances the experience with USB-C sources and supports low-latency audio for gaming.
Audio signals are received at 16-bit, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz from compatible sources, preserving the original recording's detail.
Cinema Mode, an immersive audio experience, spatializes and balances background sound and audio effects for a movie-like experience. It widens the soundstage and clarifies dialogue, also enhancing spoken word audio like podcasts and audiobooks.
Further adjustments improve overall audio performance: deeper bass at louder volumes, more natural highs, and clearer audio at increased volumes. In quiet settings, reduced background noise from the noise cancellation system allows finer audio details to be heard.
CustomTune technology personalizes audio playback based on the listener's ear shape, automatically adjusting sound for a balanced, immersive experience.
Designed for Effortless Listening and Everyday Use
The next-gen QC Ultra Headphones are designed for everyday convenience with features for a seamless user experience.
Improved on-head detection allows automatic start-up to paired devices when headphones are worn, eliminating the need for a power button. When not in use, laying them flat or folding them into their case activates a low-power standby mode that can last for months.
Battery life is extended up to 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio, 45 with ANC off), suitable for long days and travel. The headphones can be charged via the USB-C port during use.
The design features polished metal yokes for a sleek aesthetic, soft plush ear cushions, and an adjustable headband for a lightweight, secure fit. Bose's classic foldable design ensures portability and convenience.
Connectivity and Control
The Bose app provides control and customization, including automatic firmware updates.
Additional features accessible via the app include custom listening modes, EQ adjustment, Bluetooth connections, ANC control, and shortcut customization.
The QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) support Bluetooth® 5.4 with multipoint connectivity for simultaneous connection to two devices. They support Low Complexity Subband Coding (SBC) and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codecs, ensuring compatibility with most Bluetooth streaming devices.
Qualcomm's hi-definition audio codec aptX Adaptive is also supported for automatic adaptation to lossless audio and low-latency processing with Snapdragon Sound-certified devices.
Android users can utilize Google Fast Pair for expedited pairing. Spotify Tap offers quick access to music on Spotify.
About Bose Corporation
Bose is recognized globally for its premium audio solutions for home, travel, and automotive use. Founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar Bose, the company focuses on delivering exceptional sound experiences through innovation.
Bose employees—engineers, researchers, and music enthusiasts—are driven by the belief that sound is a powerful force capable of transforming, transporting, and invigorating people. This philosophy has guided Bose for 61 years in creating iconic products that redefine how people listen to music.
