Sony could release a cheaper version of its WH-1000XM4 headphones, according to leaks

Following the release of its premium and very expensive $650 The Collexion headphones in May, Sony could be taking its 1000X line of wireless noise-canceling headphones in a cheaper direction next month. The company is reportedly planning a refreshed and more affordable version of its six-year-old WH-1000XM4 headphones that will feature similar performance and specs as the original but at a lower price point, according to reliable leaker billbil-kun.

The WH-1000XM4C are expected to launch in early September 2026 in black, silver, and lavender color options for €249.99 or £219.99, which is around $289 to $297 after currency conversion.

The original WH-1000XM4 launched in 2020 for $349.99, while the WH-1000XM6 debuted at a much steeper $449 last year. The new 1000XM4C’s features will include ANC powered by Sony’s QN1 chip (the 1000XM6 use its newer QN3 chip), spatial audio, support for hi-res audio, and earcup touch controls. The only compromise, according to the leaks, is slightly reduced battery life on the new version. The original 1000XM4 maxed out at up to 38 hours with ANC off, or up to 30 hours with noise-canceling on. The 1000XM4C will only offer up to 34 hours of playback, or up to 27 with ANC.

Although there have been two major updates to Sony’s 1000X headphone line since the 1000XM4 first launched, there are still devoted fans of the older model’s design. Sony introduced a major redesign of the line with 2022’s 1000XM5 that eliminated the folding earcups necessitating a much larger carrying case. The company reintroduced the folding mechanism with last year’s 1000XM6 that also added a wider and more comfortable headband, but some (myself included) still prefer the 1000XM4’s design. For those of us with the aging older models suffering from reduced battery life, the 1000XM4C could be a solid replacement.