Bose launched the Ultra Open Earbuds back in 2024, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the brand has recently announced a successor. Predictably called the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), the new audio device retains the familiar open-ear cuff design while also introducing a few notable upgrades.
Each earbud features an adjustable flex joint that curves around the wearer’s ear for a secure fit. Beyond that, it gets a sleeker metal finish and a “more robust” case, though the device comes with the same IPX4 rating as its precursor.
Audio Features
According to the company, the buds offer rich, private sound thanks to its OpenAudio technology. Meanwhile, TrueSpatial Tech allows for immersive audio, with a new Cinema Mode promising theatre-like sound. That said, the device does not include any form of active noise cancellation, which is to be expected given the form factor.
It does come with a set of two microphones, which gets paired with AI-driven software to isolate the user’s voice for clearer calls. Furthermore, the buds feature Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with Snapdragon Sound (aptX) and EQ support. They also support Google Fast Pair and multipoint connectivity.
Beyond that, Bose has improved the battery life. While the original buds can last you a maximum of 7.5 hours, the current model offers nine hours’ worth of playback. Additionally, the charging case adds up to 19.5 hours to that.
Sport Open Earbuds
Alongside the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), Bose also announced the new Sport Open Earbuds, which previously showed up in a set of leaks. As it turns out, the leaks were pretty spot on: the new buds adopt a C-arm cuff design, much like many other clip-on earbuds released this year. As the device is geared for users with more active lifestyles, it comes with an IP54 rating.
The earbuds do not feature active noise cancellation, nor do they come with immersive audio. However, they do benefit from the same voice isolation tech as the Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen), which the brand calls SpeechClarity. Similarly, the device supports Bluetooth 5.4, Google Fast Pair, as well as multipoint connectivity. Battery life is rated at seven hours, with the case storing an additional 22 hours’ worth of charge.
Pricing And Availability
Both earbuds are slated to release on 1 October 2026, although it’s unclear whether this will apply to all markets. At the time of writing, Bose has not announced pricing and availability details for Malaysia, although the duo has already been approved by SIRIM.
With this in mind, the brand has disclosed the price of the buds in the US. The Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) will be available for US$299 (~RM1,221), while the Sport Open Earbuds will retail for US$199 (~RM812).
