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Sony WH-1000XM6 rumors: Get your wallets ready
Published onMarch 21, 2025
Sony WH-1000XM6: At a glance
- When is it coming out?: While we don't have a confirmed launch date, Sony recently filed documents and a confidentiality letter to the FCC. These prohibit publishing photos and key specs of a new "Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset" with model number YY2984. Sources from The Walkman Blog note that the confidentiality window expires on July 22, 2025. Subsequently, we could see photos and manuals of Sony's prototype headphones released on this date and an official release in late April or early May 2025.
- What's new?: The Sony WH-1000XM6 are speculated to support Bluetooth 5.3. This is corroborated by Sony's FCC filings that reveal a testing report for Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). The filings also include an illustration of headphones with newly placed plate markings for product serial numbers, certification IDs, and model numbers. The same illustration shows that the earpads may be easier to remove than their predecessor. In particular, The Walkman Blog notes that the earcups and hinges look different than the XM5, meaning we could see a total redesign of the earcups, earpads, and hinges. Likewise, if the drawing size is accurate, the XM6 could use 30mm drivers — the same size as those used on the XM5.
- How much will it cost? Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4 cost $348 at launch. However, the latest WH-1000XM5 cost $50 more, with an initial retail price of $399. The Sony WH-1000XM6 will likely cost between $399 and $449 when they come to market.
Sony makes some of the best noise canceling headphones money can buy. The company’s latest and greatest WH-1000XM5 succeed an already-accomplished set of headphones in the WH-1000X line. Along with some of the most powerful noise canceling on the market, the Sony WH-1000XM5 host an extensive list of high-end features. Their undeniable success demonstrates that fans are eager to get their hands on the company’s next-gen upgrade. We’ve gathered all the rumors and expectations so you can stay tuned in on the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Will there be a Sony WH-1000XM6?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 look set to be released imminently. The Walkman Blog recently uncovered FCC filings issued by Sony on January 22, 2025. These demonstrate that the short-term confidentiality for a new Sony “Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset” with the model number YY2984 ends on July 22, 2025. From that date, internal and external photos of the device and the product manual will be available for viewing.
The above is in addition to documents showing that the headset was imported into the Philippines on January 24, 2025, received a Canadian certification on January 25, 2025, appeared on UL Solutions on February 6, 2025, and passed through Korea’s FCC on March 6, 2025.
What is the most likely Sony WH-1000XM6 release date?
- Sony WH-1000XM3 — August 30, 2018
- Sony WH-1000XM4 — August 18, 2020
- Sony WH-1000XM5 — May 20, 2022
There has been no official confirmation from Sony yet about when the WH-1000XM6 will come to market. However, given that most of Sony’s headsets are revealed roughly 13 weeks before their short-term confidentiality date ends, we could see an announcement at the end of April or early May.
This aligns with Sony’s previous release schedule for its WH-1000XM-series headphones. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM3 came to shelves on August 30, 2018. The updated WH-1000XM4 came to market two years later on August 18, 2020. The latest WH-1000XM5 launched earlier in the year on May 20, 2022. Given Sony favors launching its WH-1000X headphones in the spring and summer, we will likely see the WH-1000XM6 materialize in Q2 of 2025.
What features and specs could the Sony WH-1000XM6 have?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 will likely share many of the same features as their predecessor. We have gathered all the information from rumors, expectations, and industry trends.
Design
The label document (shown above) filed to the FCC indicates that the Sony WH-1000XM6 may have detachable earpads. However, it remains unclear whether these will connect with clips or magnets. The drawing also reveals a potential redesign of the pads and hinge. In particular, the location of the hinge seams differs from that of the Sony WH-1000XM5. This could indicate that the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones will reinstate the foldable hinges of the WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM3. Don’t get your hopes up just yet though — this is purely speculative at the time of writing.
If the image provided by The Walkman Blog is to scale, the Sony WH-1000XM6 could use 30mm drivers like their predecessor. The ear pads also appear deeper than the WH-1000XM5, potentially accommodating those with larger ears more. Sources close to The Walkman Blog have uncovered that Sony’s new headphones will be delivered in black, platinum silver, and midnight blue colorways.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 may include detachable ear pads for easier replacements and repairs.
I expect the headphones will use the same capacitive touch panel on the left ear cup as the previous three iterations of Sony’s WH-1000XM headphones. As with the XM5, we will likely see the power and ANC mode buttons on the right ear cup. However, given most over-ear headphones do not enjoy an ingress protection (IP) rating, I wouldn’t hold your breath with the WH-1000XM6 either.
The headphones will undoubtedly support USB-C charging, and may still include a 3.5mm port for wired listening. The Walkman Blog notes that Sony’s FCC filing shows that the WH-1000XM6 have a 5V and 9V rating. This indicates that the headphones support fast charging, and the 3.8V battery rating is the same as their predecessor. While this does not mean they will have the same capacity, the headphones should last roughly 30 hours on a single charge.
Software features
According to The Walkman Blog, Sony’s upcoming headphones will run Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, they will support Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). Unfortunately, there is no indication that the headphones will support LE Audio or the LC3 codec. We are also unlikely to see the aptX Bluetooth codec, given Sony moved to Mediatek SoCs in their headsets a while ago.
Nevertheless, I expect the Sony WH-1000XM6 to include many of the same bells and whistles as their predecessor. For example, the headphones will undoubtedly enjoy Find My Device support and Fast Pair. We should also see improved noise canceling and ambient passthrough. If the headphones launch with 30mm drivers, we may see a similar frequency response with the XM6 as we did with the XM5. While this is overly bassy for audiophiles, most consumers enjoy the sound profile of the WH-1000XM5. Microphone quality is also likely to remain among some of the best on the market.
How much might the Sony WH-1000XM6 cost?
- Sony WH-1000XM3: $348
- Sony WH-1000XM4: $348
- Sony WH-1000XM5: $399
Sony increased the price of the WH-1000XM5 by $50 compared to the XM3 and XM4. While the Sony WH-1000XM6 will likely retain the same $399 as the XM5, Sony’s XM6 headphones may launch for up to $449. However, keeping the price steady could convince many iPhone owners away from the Apple AirPods Max, which cost roughly $459.
Sony WH-1000XM6: What we want to see
Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Sony should bring handy upgrades to its next-gen headphones to remain king of the hill. Here is a list of all the features I want to see in the Sony WH-1000XM6.
A robust IP rating
While highly unlikely, I hope Sony will bring an IPX4 water-resistant rating to the WH-1000XM6. The XM5 have no IP rating and are unsuitable for use on a drizzly day or at the gym. Sony illustrates this by including a rather amusing graphic in the product manual telling you not to sweat on the WH-1000XM5 or expose them to rain.
An IP rating would protect the XM6 from omnidirectional water splashes, making them suitable for sweaty workouts or trips in the rain. It would also make Sony’s next-gen cans stand out in a market sparse of water-resistant headphones. The company could go further, offering an IP54 dust and water-resistant build. This would provide the headphones with total dust ingress and prevent small solid particles from interfering with the device.
A cheaper price tag
Even for high-end wireless headphones, $399 is an eye-watering sum. The Sony WH-1000XM5 provide many top-tier features at the expense of an affordable price tag. If the company wants to scoop up the lion’s share with its next iteration of headphones, it should consider lowering the retail price of the XM6 at launch.
While the cost of audiophile-grade headphones looks set to continue its upward trajectory, affordable alternatives are mopping up more of the market. For example, the JLab JBuds Lux ANC cost only $79 and deliver high-end features such as USB-C audio, up to 46dB of noise canceling, and 44 hours of charge. The 1MORE SonoFlow cost $99 and provide a stylish travel case, a custom EQ with 12 presets, and over 56 hours of charge. With an ever-increasing list of competitors offering more for less, Sony should consider retailing the WH-1000XM6 at a cheaper price point on release.
A flatter frequency response
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Modern-day music mixes are heavy on the bass, and most consumer headphones have followed suit. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are no exception and own a steep U-shaped frequency curve with scooped mids and prominent bass and treble frequencies. This leads to higher vocals, woodwinds, and strings sounding comparatively subdued against bass and sub-bass frequencies below 300Hz.
The midrange dip between 300Hz and 1050Hz makes higher frequencies sound comparatively loud. For example, snares, cymbal shimmers, and hi-hats appear much brighter in the mix. Snares, in particular, have a much greater attack with fewer audible undertones to soften their sound. Interestingly, the WH-1000XM5 have a steep roll-off after 10kHz not shared by their predecessors. This is most pronounced in songs that rely on lots of instrumentation. Regardless, I would like the Sony WH-1000XM6 to host a flatter frequency response that more closely matches our preference curve (shown above in pink.) The need for less equalizing out of the box is always a good thing.
Qualcomm’s aptX Bluetooth codec
The LDAC Bluetooth codec is Sony’s proprietary answer to Hi-Res wireless audio streaming. The company’s variable-bitrate codec supports up to 990kbps, 96kHz/ 24-bit audio sampling. While LDAC was initially reserved for the sole use of Sony products, it is now available for devices running Android 8.0 “Oreo” or later. The Sony WH-1000XM5 boast the SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs for wireless listening and an aux input for wired audio.
However, aptX is a more universal Hi-Res wireless connection than LDAC for Android users. It also outperforms LDAC, as SBC does, when streaming at most phones’ default 330kbps bitrate setting. That is not to say this is ubiquitous: Android’s wireless efficiency is inconsistent depending on your source device. Nevertheless, users gain a reliable 352 kbps, 48kHz/16-bit connection with Qualcomm’s simpler aptX codec. Sony’s biggest rivals, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, support the aptX codec. Sony should consider following suit, no matter how unlikely that seems.
USB-C audio
Let’s face it — the mobile headphone jack is in decline. While a few top-end headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, still host an aux port, more smartphones are ditching it. This should not pose a problem for those still using portable Walkmans. However, an increasing number of music fans are forced to listen wirelessly. Many attribute the headphone jack’s demise squarely to Apple’s door, yet more and more smartphone manufacturers are omitting it.
Despite the doom and gloom, USB-C audio is slowly becoming the default. For example, the Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2) can connect via 3.5mm, USB-C, and a tranche of Bluetooth codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Voice, SBC, AAC, and LDAC. One of Sony’s biggest competitors, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, also offers USB-C and TRS wired connectivity. If Sony wants to future-proof its WH-1000X line of headphones, the WH-1000XM6 will need USB-C audio.
What would you like to see Sony bring to the WH-1000XM6?
Sony WH-1000XM6 FAQs
According to sources from The Walkman Blog, the Sony WH-1000XM6 may come to market in late April or early May 2025.
Bose manufactures some excellent headphones. For example, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver excellent noise canceling, Snapdragon Sound, and the aptX Lossless Bluetooth Codec. However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are revered for their superior noise canceling and passthrough modes, handy companion app, and OS-agnostic feature set.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 came to market on May 20, 2022.
This is subjective depending on your needs. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 enjoys collapsable hinges, making them easier to stow away than the WH-1000XM5. They also cost significantly less than their successor and enjoy many of the same features. However, the XM5s have more powerful noise canceling and are considered some of the best wireless headphones money can buy.