It appears that Sony is gearing up to release its high-end consumer successor to the WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones, and potentially very soon, according to a new leak from Dealabs via Android Authority.
Sony launched the WH-1000XM5 three years ago, in May 2022, marking the longest time gap from one generation to another since the line was introduced in 2016. The series has always balanced a mix of function, comfort and sound that has kept it on many top noise-canceling headphone lists, including ours at CNET.
The new headphones were first spotted by a Reddit user that found a since removed Amazon Spain listing, detailing the specs and pricing of the latest over-ear headphones from Sony. In the three years it's taken to get a new pair of headphones from this lineup, it's easy to assume there are updates across the board.
What are the new features?
Here's the supposed description and feature list taken from the original page and translated.
- The flagship model, with Sony's best noise cancellation and best ambient sound mode ever on over-ear headphones.
- With the new QN3 HD noise-canceling processor and 12 microphones, our Multi Noise Sensor technology with Auto NC Optimizer delivers optimal performance anywhere.
- Developed with Grammy-winning mastering engineers, 30 mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio, DSEE Extreme to enhance every track, and a customizable 10-band EQ.
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 folds flat for easy storage and transport. The new case provides protection with a magnetic closure for quick access.
- Lightweight for all-day wear, the new headband is even more comfortable and secure than the previous model with soft padded ear cushions for a premium feel.
- A quick 3-minute charge provides 3 hours of entertainment, and you can even use the WH-1000XM6 while charging.
- 360 Upmix for Cinema transforms stereo content into immersive sound, coming from the sides, behind and above. Game EQ improves clarity and detail during gameplay.
- With six AI-powered microphones, calls are crystal clear, even in the busiest environments. AI noise reduction filters out unwanted sounds.
- Multipoint connection lets you seamlessly switch between your Bluetooth devices, including iPhone, Android, PC and Mac.
- Adaptive Sound Control, Quick Attention, Background Music, Personalized Spatial Audio, Wind Noise Reduction, 360 Reality Audio with head tracking, and Speak to Chat.
Breaking down the specs
According to the leaked specs, the Sony 1000XM6 headphones look to improve upon their predecessors with a new QN3 HD Noise Cancelling processor, up from the QN1 processor in the XM5s. The fact that Sony is skipping the existence of the QN2 and going straight to the QN3 could just be marketing, but the Dealabs report says the processor is up to 7x faster than its predecessor.
The headphones will ship with 12 microphones, six of which are powered by AI to improve call quality and reduce unwanted noise. Just like its predecessor, the latest headphones will also ship with an auto noise-canceling optimizer. CNET had crowned the XM5s as the best noise-canceling headphones to grab for great calls, and the latest version looks to bolster what was already great.
Fast charging remains intact in the headphones, according to the leak, and a 3-minute charge will be able to provide 3 hours of "entertainment," as the description says. But those specifics, if true, will likely be ironed out during the official announcement. In contrast, the Dealabs report claims the new headphones will have a 3-minute charge that can provide 1 hour of battery life.
Most older features are still apparently present in the latest version of the headphones. The signature touch controls on the earcup, and the semi-infuriating Speak to Chat function that always reenables itself on my 1000XM4s will stay put, along with the 3.5 mm headphone jack and support for Hi-Res audio. The 1000XM6s will get a bump to Bluetooth version 5.3 versus the 5.2 found in the 1000XM5 headphones, and will weigh a negligible 4 grams heavier than the older version as well, coming in at 254 grams.
Pricing and availability
The new headphones will be available in three colors, including black, platinum silver and midnight blue, the leak shows, with pricing pegged at $450 in the US. The official announcement isn't far off, either, it seems. Based off the Dealabs report, the Sony 1000XM6 will be unveiled between May 14 and May 16, which falls in line with the May 15 timing on the screengrab of the Amazon Spain leak.