Sony is planning a mid-range WH-1000XM4 variant, says rumor, arriving next month with a cheaper launch price
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Despite already being up to the WH-1000XM6 model, released last year, a new rumor suggests Sony is stepping back to the XM4 generation by releasing a more budget-friendly variant of its 2020 headphones. The new variant, expected to be called the WH-1000XM4C, is said to be similarly specced as the standard 1000XM4, but with a much cheaper launch price next month.
Sony has already released a pair of high-end headphones this year – the Sony 1000X The ColleXion launched in May for $649 USD, notably higher than the $449 1000XM6 model, and we’re still waiting for the XM7 to be introduced. In the meantime, the supposed WH-1000XM4C offers something for those with a lower budget to look forward to, while retaining high-quality sound.
Sony WH-1000XM4C rumored specs, price, and release date
At this point, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is being phased out in favor of the newer XM5 and XM6 models. As such, the only XM4s we could find on Amazon were used pairs, starting at $242, varying in price based on the color – this is way down from the original $349 launch price. A refreshed model will help fans revisit the XM4 generation. At the same time, it will face friendly competition from the Sony WH-1000XM5, which usually has some kind of discount these days (available for just $248 at the time of writing).
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According to rumors shared by billbil-kun, a well-known leaker with a good track record for this sort of hardware, the WH-1000XM4C is currently expected to launch on September 7, 2026. While many specs will remain the same, one difference highlighted by the leaker is a lower battery life – down from 38 to 34 hours when compared to the standard XM4 model.
| Specification/feature | WH-1000XM4C (rumored) |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction chip | QN1 HD Noise Cancelling Processor |
| Noise reduction features | Personal NC Optimiser, Adaptive Sound Control, Ambient Sound mode |
| Audio quality | Hi-Res Audio, 40mm drivers, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, customizable 10-band equalizer |
| Audio codecs/connectivity | Hi-Res Audio Wireless, LDAC |
| Call and assistant functions | Clear voice calls, Quick Attention Mode, Speak to Chat, touch controls |
| Bluetooth | Multipoint (2 simultaneous devices) |
| Spatial audio | Personalized Spatial Audio |
| Battery life | Up to 34 hours (up to 27 hours with noise cancellation mode activated) |
| Fast charging | Up to 1 hour of listening time with a 3-minute charge |
| Comfort | Soft ear cushions, adjustable headband, foldable design, compact carrying case |
| Companion app | Sony | Sound Connect |
| Colors | Platinum Silver, Black, Lavender |
As for the price, the XM4C variant is expected to cost £219.99 / €249.99. Price points for the North American market are yet to be suggested, though a direct conversion would place it around the $290 mark. It’s worth noting that the WH-1000XM5 are already as cheap as £229 in the UK, while a used pair of the XM4 comes in at £179. The XM6 flagship sits way above at £349.
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