Nothing confirms Ear 2 details, including new IP rating and codec support

Update: March 17, 2023 (10:30 AM ET): We updated this article to correct the information regarding the IP ratings of the Ear 1 and Ear 2.

Original article: March 14, 2023 (11:55 AM ET): Nothing will officially unveil its newest set of true wireless earbuds on March 22. However, as per usual with the company, it’s doling out small amounts of information about the product as we lead up to the launch event.

Today, on Twitter, the company confirmed two integral specs for the Nothing Ear 2. It also posted a photo (seen above) of the product itself.

The first confirmed spec is the IP rating. The Nothing Ear 1 have an IPX4 rating. That means they are protected against water splashes and sprays. The new earbuds, however, will have an IP54 rating, which means they are protected against most dust, with the same level of water resistance. We have an IP rating explainer if you want more info on what these numbers mean.

The second spec confirmed by the company today is support for the LHDC codec. This is a step up over the Nothing Ear 1, which only supported the AAC and SBC codecs. LHDC is in many ways superior to those two other codecs, meriting Hi-Res Audio certification. Yet, Hi-Res Bluetooth audio has its limitations. Even if it’s not the best codec for your ears, at least having another choice is good news. As with IP ratings, we have an explainer of Bluetooth audio codecs for more information on this.

Nothing also dished a ton of other information about the behind-the-scenes production process of the Nothing Ear 2. It’s safe to say that these new earbuds will be of higher quality than their predecessors. However, that also likely means a price increase over the original $99 cost of the Nothing Ear 1. All will be revealed on March 22!