Sony reportedly reviving its 2020 flagship WH-1000XM4 headphones
Sony may be bringing back its 2020 flagship WH-1000XM4 headphones in a cheaper new version called the WH-1000XM4C. The updated model could launch as soon as September at a lower price point.
Sony appears to be reaching back to its 2020 flagship headphones to offer shoppers a more affordable option, according to a leak from noted tipster billbil-kun on Dealabs, as reported by 9to5Google.
The leak claims Sony is preparing a new version of the WH-1000XM4, reportedly to be called the WH-1000XM4C, expected to retail for around $250. The original XM4 was widely regarded as the best headphone of its generation.
Few changes expected
According to the leak, the new model will be nearly identical to the original XM4, keeping the same foldable design, 40mm drivers and noise-canceling processor. The only reported differences are battery life and available color options.
The XM4C is said to offer up to 34 hours of battery life without active noise cancellation and 27 hours with it enabled, a slight decrease from the original 2020 model's rated 38 and 30 hours. Color options reportedly include black, platinum silver and a new lavender shade.
The leaker, who correctly predicted the PS5 Pro announcement in 2024, claims Sony will launch the XM4C on September 7, priced at €250 in Europe and £220 in the UK.
For comparison, Sony's current flagship WH-1000XM6 costs $460 in the US and €470 in the EU, while the previous-generation XM5 is frequently discounted to around $250, which would put the new XM4C in an unusual position within Sony's own lineup.
The information has not been officially confirmed, so it should be treated with some caution for now.
