Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, is officially bringing its first pair of over-ear headphones to the Indian market next week. The company has set January 13 as the launch date for the CMF Headphone Pro, which will arrive alongside the new Watch 3 Pro.
Physical dials replace touch controls
The Headphone Pro stands out by rejecting the trend of hidden touch sensors. Instead, it features a prominent “Roller” dial on the ear cup. This wheel allows users to adjust volume, control playback, and toggle noise cancellation with a physical turn or press.
It also includes a unique “Energy Slider,” a dedicated switch that lets listeners instantly adjust bass and treble levels without unlocking their phone. The design is modular, offering swappable ear cushions in orange, black, and green, allowing owners to mix colors for a personalized look.
Battery life and audio features
Endurance is the main selling point on the spec sheet. The headphones are rated for 100 hours of playback on a single charge. Even with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on to block up to 40dB of outside noise, the battery is capable of lasting through days of use.
For audio quality, the device uses 40mm drivers with nickel-plated diaphragms. It supports the LDAC codec for higher-quality wireless streaming and connects to the Nothing X app for further customization, including equalizer settings and updates.
Market Impact & Context
The sub-₹10,000 headphone market in India is crowded with options from Boat, Sony, and JBL, but most look very similar. CMF is betting that a unique industrial design—focused on tactile, analog-style controls—will attract younger buyers who care about aesthetics as much as sound.
If CMF prices this near its global tag of $99 (approx. ₹8,000), it will sit in a competitive “premium budget” tier. It forces rivals to reconsider whether generic plastic designs are enough to win over Gen Z consumers.
What comes next
The official price will be revealed on January 13. Given the brand’s history, the headphones will likely be sold via major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart or Amazon immediately following the launch event.
