Bose has been quietly preparing the next generation of its flagship noise-cancelling headphones. An FCC filing for a device labeled "Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones II" reveals key hardware details ahead of an official announcement.

What the FCC filing reveals

FCC filings do not include full spec sheets, but they reveal wireless hardware details and sometimes include external photos. The QC Ultra 2 filing shows:

  • Bluetooth 5.4 (up from 5.3 on the current Bose QC Ultra Headphones)
  • LE Audio support with LC3plus codec
  • Updated antenna design suggesting improved wireless range
  • Model number: A0105, distinct from the current A0106 series
  • Filing date: March 2026, suggesting production readiness

Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio support is significant. It enables:

  • Auracast: Broadcast audio sharing to multiple headphones simultaneously
  • Lower latency: Improved lip-sync for video content
  • Better battery efficiency: LE Audio codec is more power-efficient than standard SBC/AAC
  • Hearing aid compatibility: Standard protocol for assistive listening

Expected improvements

Based on Bose's typical product cadence and industry trends, we expect:

Noise cancellation

The current QC Ultra Headphones are already class-leading for ANC, slightly edging out the Sony WH-1000XM5 in measured noise reduction. The QC Ultra 2 is expected to refine ANC with:

  • Improved wind noise handling (a weakness of the current model)
  • Better ANC at higher frequencies (voices, keyboard sounds)
  • More natural Aware mode (transparency) with less processing artifacts

Battery life

The current model delivers 24 hours without ANC or 18 hours with ANC and Immersive Audio. The QC Ultra 2 is expected to reach 28-30 hours without ANC and 22-24 hours with ANC, thanks to the more efficient Bluetooth 5.4 radio and optimized DSP.

Sound quality

Bose has not historically chased audiophile-level frequency response — its tuning is warm, bass-forward, and crowd-pleasing. Expect refinements rather than revolution:

  • Improved sub-bass extension
  • Better stereo imaging in Immersive Audio mode
  • Support for Snapdragon Sound (aptX Lossless) via LE Audio

Design

FCC photos are typically low-resolution, but the filing suggests the QC Ultra 2 retains the same folding design and earcup shape as the current model. Subtle changes may include updated materials, new color options, and a revised headband cushion.

Pricing and timeline

The current QC Ultra Headphones launched at $429. Bose may hold that price or increase slightly to $449. Launch is expected in mid-2026 (June-August), with a reveal at a Bose media event.

For current headphone comparisons, see our Bose QC Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5 comparison and the headphones category.