Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones leak reveals spatial audio support and new design

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
(Image credit: The Verge)

Bose is close to releasing not one but two new flagship pairs of headphones, according to recent leaks.

Based on the information first leaked by MySmartPrice and OnLeaks, Bose is getting ready to launch the QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones and earbuds. 

Alongside the leaked renders and marketing images, The Verge has now also obtained and shared real-world photos of the upcoming QuietComfort Ultra headphones in the flesh. 

The QC Ultra headphones appear to include a combination of features and design choices seen in previous models of QuietComfort headphones, as well as Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. The upcoming QC Ultras are foldable (unlike the NC Headphones 700 which they look to replace) and boast a few new features not seen in previous models, marking Bose’s attempt at unifying all the best features from their best headphones. 

The new model of QC Ultra headphones features an ‘Immersive Audio’ mode, which is Bose’s take on Apple’s ‘Spatial Audio’. This mode comes with a few adjustable settings such as ‘Still’ and ‘Motion’, with the latter setting optimising audio when you’re moving around. 

Bose’s usual ‘Quiet’ (noise cancellation) and ‘Aware’ (transparency) modes also feature alongside the ‘Immersive Audio’ mode. ‘Aware’ mode also includes the ‘ActiveSense’ feature which was introduced with the QuietComfort Earbuds II. This automatically strengthens or reduces the active noise cancellation based on the noise levels around you. 

Other features include a dedicated capacitive volume slider on the ear cups. This differs from other Bose headphones, such as the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which require users to swipe their finger up or down the right ear cup to adjust the volume. This new dedicated strip could potentially reduce accidental gestures and make volume control more precise.

The Verge’s source has stated that the headphones will pause when taken off, and that they are also Snapdragon Certified. This opens up the possibility of higher-quality Bluetooth codec playback on Android devices and low-latency performance, which is ideal for gaming. 

Its source also claims the headphones are very comfortable, which is unsurprising for Bose who usually don’t disappoint when it comes to fit and comfort. 

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

(Image credit: MySmartPrice)

The QC Ultra earbuds are a slightly more curious case, with Bose’s previous model (QuietComfort Earbuds II) only launching last year in 2022. From the leaked images, they look very similar in terms of design and build, so we’re looking forward to finding out more about any new features and improvements that have been made internally. With Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds just releasing, it looks like Bose is keen to keep up with the competition.  

It’s still very early days for this leaked information, and we’re still waiting for an official announcement from Bose, so we don’t yet have any information on pricing, battery life, upgrades to sound quality, and noise cancellation. We will report on this and more as and when the news comes in. 

MORE:

Bose’s spatial audio tech is a nice idea for headphones but it’s too hit-and-miss

Best headphones deals 2023: save on AirPods, Bose, Sony and more

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: which should you buy?

Astell & Kern's striking premium buds aim to challenge Bose and Sony for true wireless supremacy

Staff Writer

Ainsley Walker is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. He studied music journalism at university before working in a variety of roles including as a freelance journalist and teacher. Growing up in a family of hi-fi enthusiasts naturally influenced his interest in the topic. Outside of work, Ainsley can be found producing music, tinkering with retro tech, or cheering on Luton Town.

Read more
Bose QuietComfort vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: what are the differences?
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) on a red and grey background with a vs symbol between them.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: which is best?
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Bose Ultra Earbuds
Best Bose headphones 2025: noise-cancelling and wireless models tested by our experts
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones next to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones both in their cases
I’m a wireless headphones expert and there are 6 new pairs I want to see launch in 2025
Sony WH-1000XM6: 5 things we want from Sony's next over-ears
Sony WH-1000XM6: expected release date and price rumours, six features on our wishlist
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 in black copper with charging case
Bose vs Sennheiser headphones: which should you choose?
Latest in Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
Apple AirPods Max 2024 in blue finish on bookshelf
Lossless audio and wired listening finally come to the AirPods Max
Bone conduction headphones
Samsung to launch its first bone conduction headphones this summer, report says
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 wireless over-ear headphones
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
T+A Solitaire T Cognac white in case
The 'benchmark setting' T+A Solitaire T wireless headphones have a boozy new look
Getty Images, Thomas Winz
I love the idea of wi-fi headphones – but some big questions need answering
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position