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For audiophiles who love the sound of silence along with their music, the Sony noise-canceling headphones are the one to beat — and yet we tap our fingers as we wait for the highly anticipated Sony WH-1000XM6.
After a decade of Bose winning the headphone race, Sony famously unveiled the WH-1000XM3 in August 2018. The much-loved XM4 followed two years later in August 2020, dethroning the Bose QuietComfort 35 as the tech favorite with the admirable XM5 in 2022.
Can we expect the XM6 model to drop this year in time for the holiday season, or will we wait until 2025? We round up the latest rumors.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Explained
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the incoming model of noise-cancellation headphones. It will build on the success of the XM5 with an improved design, longer battery life, and next-gen noise cancellation.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are currently the best all-rounder noise-canceling wireless headphones, but they are over two years old and expected to be replaced soon.
With Apple’s AirPods Max 2 expected later this year, there is no room for complacency from Sony. It is a market where some fans will pay $400 – $600 for headphones, and many have complained about the inability to fold the current top models, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max.
Hopefully, this will be something Sony will rectify with the release of the new Sony WH-1000XM6. But what else can we expect?
Sony WH-1000XM6 Release Date
With no official announcements from Sony, we believe the lack of high-profile leaks means we are unlikely to see the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones this year. However, a trail of clues points to a 2025 release date.
We expect a double release with Sony’s slinkier cousins, the WF-1000XM5 wireless noise-canceling earbuds, which were first launched in May 2023.
If the earbuds arrive in May 2025, then a dual launch could be on the cards.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Features
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE) acquisition of Audeze is another small clue as to why there is a longer wait for the Sony WH-1000XM6. Its planar magnetic drivers are expected to improve sound and noise canceling features and secure a footing in the increasingly lucrative gaming headset market.
Sony noise canceling, combined with Audeze’s planar magnetic drivers, would deliver the moment that makes it stand out from the rest of the market.
It’s important to distinguish that the acquisition initially seems more about gaming headsets than their consumer models. Still, the prospect of a crossover to make this happen would be exciting.
At a time when every brand is obsessed with AI everywhere, it’s pretty easy to predict we will see additional AI features in the Sony WH-1000XM6. But, there is an increasing disconnect between brands going all in on AI and the customer experience.
When it comes to an expensive new pair of headphones, many audiophiles prefer to manage their own ANC rather than have AI decide the level they should get.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 should feature a series of minor improvements. One obvious area of improvement would be better water and sweat resistance, potentially with an IPX4 or IP54 rating. With all devices moving to USB-C, we also hope to see a USB-C port for not just charging but also connecting audio.
A welcome return to the foldable earcup design reminiscent of the XM4 would be a big hit with users. With some online complaining that the XM5s were uncomfortable, larger, deeper earcups for long-haul flights and longer listening sessions would be another quick win.
2025 Sony WH-1000XM6
Nearly four years have passed since Apple shocked the world with a seemingly ludicrous launch price of $549 for the Apple AirPods Max. Fast forward to 2024, and we have the $599 Master & Dynamic MW75 and $699 for the Bowers & Wilkins Px8.
The price for premium headphones is on the rise, and although we would love to see the Sony WH-1000XM6 launched for $400, it could be anywhere between $400 – $500.
The Bottom Line
Sony currently has the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, with the WH-1000XM5, but these much-loved cans will be three years old by May of next year. The competition is catching up, and all eyes will be on whether Sony can maintain its top spot with the release of the WH-1000XM6 next year.
Top of our wishlist would be a foldable WH-1000XM6 with improved active noise cancellation (ANC), a more comfortable fit, and Audeze’s planar magnetic drivers for under $500 as the cherry on the cake. It’s a big ask, but these are just a few of the things we are wishing for at Techopedia Towers.
