The Nothing Ear (3) has officially broken cover, and it’s bringing a fresh twist to the brand’s minimalist aesthetic. Just days ahead of its September 18 launch, Nothing has shown off its next-gen flagship earbuds and this time, they come clad in metal.
Nothing Ear (3) swaps plastic for premium metal details

In a first for the company’s wireless earbuds, Nothing Ear (3) incorporates metal directly into both the buds and the charging case. The top lid and outer casing retain the signature transparent look, but underneath, slim metal accents offer a more premium texture and visual pop. According to Nothing, the gaps between components are tighter than before, further elevating the build quality.
A 0.35 mm metal antenna is built into the earbuds, which could help enhance signal strength and reduce latency. The earbuds themselves have also been reshaped slightly for improved comfort.
Talk button adds mystery and AI speculation
Perhaps the biggest surprise is a new Talk button located on the front of the charging case. Nothing hasn’t explained its function yet, but it’s easy to speculate. With ChatGPT integrations already found in other Nothing devices, many expect the button will serve as a shortcut to voice assistants, possibly even tapping into AI tools directly from the case.
What’s new with Nothing Ear (3):
- Partial metal construction on buds and case
- Transparent lid continues the signature aesthetic
- Redesigned shape for better comfort
- Super Mic tech for clearer calls
- Mysterious Talk button, possibly tied to AI
- Tighter component gaps for a more premium finish
Wireless charging is still uncertain
One detail left out of the reveal is the underside of the case. If the base is made of metal too, wireless charging might be off the table, a trade-off for durability and design. Nothing hasn’t confirmed this yet, so it’s something to watch for at launch.
With a sleeker look, improved hardware, and a few surprises packed in, the Nothing Ear (3) is shaping up to be more than just a style upgrade. It might just be the smartest and boldest audio product in Nothing’s lineup yet.