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Sony XM6 headphones: First look from FCC filing
Published onJanuary 24, 2025
- The likely successor to Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones appeared in the FCC database.
- The new design includes easily detachable earpads and a modified hinge.
- We expect the Sony XM6 headphones to be announced this Spring.
A recent FCC filing has revealed what appears to be Sony’s next-generation flagship noise canceling headphones, potentially addressing at least a few design critiques of their predecessor.
The regulatory documents, which include a detailed diagram of the right earcup, showcase a redesigned hinge mechanism and notably more easily replaceable earpads. While detachable earpads aren’t new to the 1000X series, the documentation suggests Sony might make the removal process more straightforward than the XM5’s less user-friendly approach.
The prototype headphones, identified by the model number YY2984 (following the naming pattern of the XM5’s YY2954), feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The documents reveal that Sony is keeping some familiar elements—like the MediaTek SoC, 30mm drivers, and 3.8V battery—while making technical improvements, such as upgrading to an Inverted-F Antenna design with higher gain (2.91 dBi vs. the previous 1.6 dBi).
The filing includes a confidentiality request extending to July 2025, though we expect to see these much sooner. Given that the current WH-1000XM5 model was released in May 2022, and Sony typically maintains a spring launch window, these headphones are slightly overdue for a refresh.
Many readers, and a few of us in the office here, prefer the XM4’s folding design over the XM5’s fixed construction. It just makes for better portability and durability. The appearance of a modified hinge in the FCC filing could suggest Sony is reconsidering their approach to the headphones’ folding mechanism.
Another common critique of the XM5 is the shallow earcups, which can affect comfort during extended listening sessions. I personally don’t like the fit of the XM5 headphones because my ears press up against the inside of the earcup. Unfortunately, looking at the diagrams, the earcup depth appears similar to the XM5—which is disappointing for those of us hoping for more ear space. Perhaps we’ll see third-party earpads offering more depth, or Sony might offer different pad options.
We’ll have to wait and see if Sony finally nails the balance between the XM4’s practical design and the XM5’s modern aesthetics in this next iteration. Spring can’t come soon enough.