Nothing Headphone (1) Gets Firmware Update Focused on Stability

Nothing has quietly rolled out a new firmware update for Nothing Headphone (1), and while the version number looks minor, the intent behind this release is clear: stability first.

The update, labeled Firmware 1.0.1.81, doesn’t introduce flashy new features or UI changes. Instead, it targets the fundamentals that matter most in daily use—connection reliability, consistent performance, and fewer interruptions.

This kind of update usually flies under the radar, but for audio products, it often delivers the most noticeable long-term improvements.

What’s included in Firmware 1.0.1.81

According to the official changelog, the update focuses on four core areas:

• Improved overall system stability
• Optimized Bluetooth connectivity
• Minor bug fixes across core functions
• General performance improvements

Nothing hasn’t detailed each fix individually, which is typical for stability-focused releases. These updates usually address issues discovered after wider real-world usage rather than problems seen during internal testing.

Why this update matters more than it looks

Firmware updates with small version jumps often do the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

In practical terms, updates like this usually target:

• Random audio dropouts during movement or multitasking
• Bluetooth reconnection delays when switching devices
• Inconsistent ANC behavior in different environments
• Small latency issues during calls or video playback

For wireless headphones, even minor Bluetooth optimizations can significantly change how reliable the product feels day to day.

Bluetooth reliability is the real focus

Bluetooth stability remains one of the hardest problems to solve in wireless audio.

Different phones
Different chipsets
Different Android and iOS versions

All of these variables create edge cases that only show up after mass adoption. Firmware 1.0.1.81 appears to be a response to that reality.

If you frequently switch between a phone, laptop, and tablet, this update may reduce:

• Missed connections
• Audio desync
• Sudden disconnections during calls

These aren’t headline features, but they directly affect usability.

Performance improvements without changing sound tuning

Importantly, this update does not mention any changes to sound signature or ANC tuning.

That usually means:

• No changes to EQ curves
• No shift in bass or treble balance
• No aggressive ANC recalibration

For users who already like how the Headphone (1) sounds, this is good news. Stability updates that preserve tuning tend to be safer and more predictable.

Who should update immediately

This update is especially relevant if you’ve experienced:

• Occasional Bluetooth drops
• Inconsistent connection after taking the headphones off and back on
• Call quality issues when switching apps
• Slight lag when resuming playback

If your experience has been flawless so far, you may not notice dramatic changes. But these updates help ensure consistency over time, especially as phone OS updates roll out.

Who should update immediately

This update is especially relevant if you’ve experienced:

• Occasional Bluetooth drops
• Inconsistent connection after taking the headphones off and back on
• Call quality issues when switching apps
• Slight lag when resuming playback

If your experience has been flawless so far, you may not notice dramatic changes. But these updates help ensure consistency over time, especially as phone OS updates roll out.

The bigger picture for Nothing’s audio products

Nothing has been steadily refining its audio lineup through incremental firmware updates rather than disruptive changes.

This approach signals a few things:

• Long-term support is a priority
• Feedback from early users is being acted on
• Stability is being treated as a feature, not an afterthought

For a relatively young hardware brand, that’s a healthy sign.