We round up all the rumors and predictions about the upcoming Sony WH-1000XM6.
Sony stands as a titan in the realm of noise-canceling headphones, consistently setting the bar with each new release.
As the WH-1000XM5 offered unparalleled noise cancellation and a suite of premium features, fans are left eagerly awaiting the next iteration. Yet, with great anticipation comes great expectation. Tech enthusiasts and audiophiles alike are piecing together a mosaic of expectations for the next iteration in Sony’s WH-1000X line– the WH-1000XM6.
Dive with us as we sift through the rumors and predictions surrounding the much-anticipated Sony WH-1000XM6.
When Is the Sony WH-1000XM6 Release Date?
Sony hasn’t made any official announcements about the WH-1000XM6. That said, the company has released the previous three WH-1000XM models every two years:
- Sony WH-1000XM3 — August 2018
- Sony WH-1000XM4 — August 2020
- Sony WH-1000XM5 — May 2022
Following this schedule, we have high hopes for the WH-1000XM6 to hit the market soon, possibly in the spring or summer of 2024.
What Will the Sony WH-1000XM6 Look Like?
While we expect the Sony WH-1000XM6 to look similar to their predecessors, small upgrades when it comes to materials would give them a more premium feel.
The company redesigned the WH-1000XM5 with a focus on recycled plastics. This makes them lightweight and comfortable, but the plasticky feel doesn’t come across as particularly high-end. Better materials might fix that.
What Features Can We Expect From the Sony WH-1000XM6?
As Sony is keeping any details under wraps, we can only speculate about what a new model might bring to the table. Based on current trends, there are a few things fans can expect:
IP rating
The WH-1000XM5 have no official IP rating, so users might not want to wear them on rainy days or during sweaty gym sessions to prevent damage. Making the WH-1000XM6 sweat-resistant would alleviate fans’ durability concerns.
USB-C audio
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones boast a USB-C port, but for charging only. With more smartphones ditching headphone jacks, it might make sense for Sony to upgrade to USB-C audio for upcoming headphones.
Better audio quality
The WH-1000XM6 should bring fans a bump in audio quality. This might translate to even better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), clearer calls, and tighter overall sound.
Apple recently announced that consumers using their AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with Apple Vision Pro will get access to lossless audio thanks to a new wireless protocol.
We doubt that Sony are keen to fall behind, so they might be working on something similar. Unfortunately, we have no idea how much longer we need to wait to hear what they have in store.
What Do Users Want From the Sony WH-1000XM6?
From enhanced noise cancellation capabilities to improved battery life, the community’s wishlist reveals the features fans hope to see from the upcoming release.
The most common wish? For the headphones to be made of sturdier materials.
The Reddit forum has been flooded lately with complaints about WH-1000XM5 hinges breaking in the exact same spot, worrying potential buyers. It’s no wonder audio enthusiasts hope for the release of the next model to fix the problem.
Some users think that replacing plastic with materials like aluminum would make the headphones too heavy. Meanwhile, others point out that the company could focus solely on upgrading hinge materials to improve durability.
Speaking of design, several users would love a return of the ear-cup folding feature for the next Sony headphone model, complaining that the WH-1000XM5 take up too much space. “Bring back the folding design” is a common refrain among users.
Another big want is the addition of ANC controls. The WH-1000XM5 offer best-in-class ANC, but some users don’t like the fact that the ANC is designed to optimize automatically. They would much rather have the option to adjust it themselves.
Other wishes include longer battery life, detachable ear cups, lossless Bluetooth audio, and water resistance.
Finally, the touch controls bother a few users, who would prefer physical buttons.
Better than cats swallowing AirPods, if you ask me.
How Much Will the Sony WH-1000XM6 Cost?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 launched at $399. We expect the next model to be similarly priced.
Given the high cost, it might be in the company’s best interest to heed the wants and concerns of its user base, ensuring that the WH-1000XM6 headphones live up to expectations.