Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones launch with aptX Adaptive and Immersive Audio

Bose has officially tacked an Ultra moniker on its flagship wireless peripherals of "world-class noise cancellation, high-quality audio, and legendary comfort and stability" for the first time today (September 14, 2023). The new Headphones are powered by Snapdragon Sound platforms for "lossless and low latency capabilities" as well as support for Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive codec.

The OEM also asserts that its choice of audio chipsets ensure "more seamless and robust connectivity with premium Android devices" across the QuietComfort Ultra line-up. To this end, they also both support Google Fast Pair as well as the Bluetooth 5.3 standard.

The Ultra Headphones do also have a wired mode - via a 2.5mm port, although there will be a cable with a 3.5mm jack on the other end in the box. On that note, they can be pre-ordered direct from Bose for US$429

Bose may seek to rationalize those price-points with the introduction of Immersive Audio - however, the new Ultra headphones are slated to get just 18 hours of use per charge at most with it on (or 24 with the new setting switched off). 

For those looking to spend a little less money, there are indeed new non-Ultra alternatives without Immersive Audio . The new QuietComfort Headphones are presented as QC 45 replacements, and have the least metal-accented, premium build of the 3 new Bose prospects. Nevertheless, they boast adjustable, customizable noise cancellation. They are also rated to have 24 hours of battery life at most, and are still on Bluetooth 5.1 - yet still cost US$349.

They are, at least, presented in an extra exclusive Cypress Green in addition to the White Smoke and Black options open to the QuietComfort Ultra variants.

Bose QC 45s: still available on Amazon.