London-based tech brand Nothing, known for its transparent designs and disruptive approach to product launches, is stepping up its game in India. In a move that’s bound to get attention, Akis Evangelidis—Nothing’s co-founder and newly appointed India President—has confirmed that the company’s first over-ear headphones, named Headphone (1), will debut in India on July 1, 2025, exactly in sync with the global launch.
That timing isn’t just convenient. It’s symbolic. For years, Indian consumers have often had to wait while new tech rolled out elsewhere. Not this time. And as if that wasn’t enough, Headphone (1) will arrive alongside the brand’s latest flagship smartphone, the Nothing Phone (3), making it a potentially transformative moment for Nothing’s product ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- The Headphone (1) launches in India and globally on July 1, confirmed by Akis Evangelidis.
- It shares the launch spotlight with the Nothing Phone (3), their next big flagship.
- Expect a transparent, retro-futuristic design—possibly echoing cassette player aesthetics.
- British high-end audio brand KEF is behind the sound tuning, pointing to premium audio quality.
- Rumored features include both wired and wireless modes, active noise cancellation, and hybrid ports.
- Price expectations are around $309 (about ₹26,800), though Indian pricing may land in the ₹25,000–₹30,000 range.
- India remains central to Nothing’s long-term growth strategy, with expanded retail, service networks, and a deepened Make in India commitment.
India’s Moment in Nothing’s Global Playbook
Launching a headline product in India on the same day as the rest of the world is no small move. It reflects a clear shift in how brands like Nothing view the Indian tech market. Under Evangelidis’s leadership—he took over as India President in early 2025—Nothing is not just aiming to grow here; it’s aiming to lead.
There’s good reason for that. India’s tech-savvy population is growing rapidly, and Nothing has already gained momentum. Its Phone (2a) series and CMF by Nothing lineup helped drive a 577 percent year-over-year growth in India in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research.
What We Know (and What’s Still Under Wraps)
While official specs for the Headphone (1) haven’t been fully revealed, leaks have given us a glimpse. Think see-through design, a touch of nostalgia, and a form factor that might remind you of a retro gadget, only far sleeker.
The bigger surprise? The partnership with KEF—a name that carries serious weight in the audio world. Known for high-fidelity sound, KEF’s involvement suggests that Headphone (1) isn’t just about aesthetics. It could genuinely deliver a listening experience that rivals the likes of Sony, Bose, or even Sennheiser.
Expected features include wired and wireless options, likely via USB Type-C and a 3.5mm audio jack. Active Noise Cancellation is anticipated as a standard feature, aligning with premium positioning. Pricing for the global market puts it at $309 or £299, while India pricing will likely be slightly adjusted to remain competitive.
Nothing Phone (3): Launching in Tandem
Launching alongside the headphones is the Nothing Phone (3), expected to bring serious flagship muscle. It’s rumored to run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip, paired with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display at 1.5K resolution and up to 3,000 nits of brightness.
The specs don’t stop there: a 5,000mAh battery with 50W wired and 25W wireless charging, an IP68 rating, and a triple 50MP rear camera setup with telephoto zoom and a 32MP front camera. NothingOS 4, likely based on Android 16, will power the experience.
Most importantly for Indian buyers, the Phone (3) will be manufactured locally in Chennai, reinforcing Nothing’s commitment to the Make in India initiative.
A Clear Vision for India
Evangelidis has been clear in his vision: India isn’t just important—it’s essential. Nothing plans to double its investment in the region throughout 2025, aiming to expand its offline retail footprint to more than 12,000 stores across the country.
Service infrastructure is also getting a boost. There are now five exclusive Nothing service centers in major cities and over 330 authorized centers nationwide. That kind of scale isn’t common among newer brands and shows that Nothing is building for the long haul.
All of the brand’s smartphones—including the Phone (3) and upcoming 3a series—will continue to be made in India. This strategy helps reduce costs, respond to demand faster, and contribute to India’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Where It All Started, and What’s Coming Next
Since launching the Ear (1) in July 2021, Nothing has carved a unique identity. Transparent design, minimalist software, and a community-first approach have helped it stand out in a crowded market. The introduction of CMF by Nothing opened the door to more accessible price segments, broadening appeal even further.
Crossing $1 billion in global revenue didn’t happen by chance. It happened because the company-built buzz, followed through with design-focused products, and brought consumers along for the ride. Now, with the synchronized India and global launch of the Headphone (1), Nothing is making it clear—it sees India not as a secondary market, but as a core part of its global story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the Nothing Headphone (1) be launched in India?
A1: It will launch on July 1, 2025, simultaneously with the global event.
Q2: Who confirmed the India launch?
A2: Akis Evangelidis, co-founder and President of Nothing India.
Q3: What kind of design is expected?
A3: A transparent, retro-futuristic look, possibly resembling classic cassette players.
Q4: Who is handling sound tuning?
A4: KEF, a premium British audio brand.
Q5: Will the Nothing Phone (3) also launch on the same date?
A5: Yes, both the Phone (3) and Headphone (1) will launch together on July 1.
Q6: What is Nothing’s India strategy?
A6: The company plans to expand offline presence, scale service centers, and continue manufacturing locally under Make in India.
Q7: What features might the Headphone (1) include?
A7: ANC, wired and wireless options, transparent design, USB-C and 3.5mm support.
Q8: What is Akis Evangelidis’s role?
A8: He is co-founder of Nothing and currently leads its India operations as President.
