Sony's WH-1000XM6 Headphones: AI-Powered Upgrades and Return to Foldable Design

Sony WH-1000XM6 leak: QN3HD chip, AI microphone, and they're foldable again

Recent leaks revealed the full specs for Sony's upcoming WH-1000XM6 headphones, along with its pricing and a mid-May release date. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. TweakTown may also earn commissions from other affiliate partners at no extra cost to you. Leaks have surfaced, revealing the specifications and pricing for Sony's upcoming WH-1000XM6 headphones. The new model, as reported by Android Authority and Dealabs, contains a new noise-cancelling processor, an AI-powered microphone, and a $499.99 USD price tag. Credit: Sony Sony's current WH-1000XM5 model is recognized among the best when it comes to consumer ANC over-ears. However, the XM5 is widely considered a marginal improvement over the XM4's, delivering slightly better noise cancellation and voice quality than its predecessor, with a new style, form factor and price tag. Similarly, the leaks for the XM6 reveal what appear to be iterative improvements, with specs focusing on the upgraded QN3 HD noise-cancelling processor. This new chip is reportedly 'seven times faster' than the XM5's. The extent to which this translates to higher sound quality or better noise cancellation remains to be seen. The leaks also reveal an AI-based six-microphone system, aiming to maximize voice clarity in noisy environments. Along with a range of intelligent features like adaptive noise cancellation, and intelligent ambient mode. Battery-wise, the new headphones target up to 30 hours on a single charge, with 3-minute fast charging per hour of battery life. The XM6 also retains its 3.5mm jack, ensuring users have no issues connecting to a computer or gamepad without latency. Perhaps most notably, the XM6 marks a return to the foldable form factor, enabling users to enclose them in a (presumably) smaller carry case - while also providing a little more flexibility in daily use. Credit: Dealabs The leaked visual of the headphones depicts a similar design to the XM5 - cozy, circular earpads and contrasting thickness between the spine and the headband. If the XM4 and XM3 went for a more neutral look, the XM5 and XM6 are relatively expressive, opting for a more stylish, distinctive design. It's reported that the headphones will be priced at $449.99 in the US, and between €449.99-469.99 across Europe, with a release date between May 14 and May 16, 2025.

Sony's XM6 over-ears get an official release date - and they're right around the corner | Stuff

The XM6s are the follow-up to Sony's extremely popular XM5 headphones - and they're coming on 15 May with lots to be excited about Not to sound like a broken record, but the Sony WH-1000XM5 really are a stellar set of cans. They're some of, if not the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy. Now, the hotly anticipated XM6 headphones are set to arrive as a follow-up. Better yet, we've finally got an official release date - and the cans are right around the corner. After Dealabs shared a not-so-subtle leak involving Amazon Spain and a Reddit user with an eye for pulled product pages, Sony has come out and officially said what we've all been waiting for. The next pair of its ridiculously popular noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XM6, will be unveiled on 15 May. The launch will take place at 5pm BST/12pm ET. It doesn't look like there's a live stream to follow along with, but expect the news to drop everywhere (including here at Stuff) at that time. Sony's WH-1000X line is basically the iPhone of headphones at this point. Every model gets lapped up by the masses, and with good reason. The XM5 was more evolution than revolution - slightly better noise cancelling, a design facelift, and just enough of a spec bump to make you feel like your XM4s were looking a bit tired. So expectations for the XM6s are pretty high. According to the leak, the XM6s pack a new QN3 HD processor - supposedly 7x faster than the QN1 chip in the XM5s. If it means genuinely better noise cancelling, we're in for something exciting this time. Plus, there's a new six-mic AI beamforming system for calls. It should mean you'll actually sound like a human being and not a muffled ghost on Zoom. There's also still a headphone jack present. No word yet on battery life improvements or other niceties, but Sony's track record suggests we'll see some polish. The WH-1000XM6 will launch officially on 15 May. Thanks to the leak, we can expect pricing to start at $450 in the US (a $50 bump), and €388 in Europe. Expect them to be available to buy immediately after the launch.