Sony prepares budget WH-1000XM4C launch amid premium headset push
The Japanese electronics giant is reportedly targeting a lower price point for its long-standing noise-canceling line, following the recent launch of high-end Collexion models.
Sony is preparing to introduce a more affordable variant of its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones, tentatively identified as the WH-1000XM4C, according to leaks from reliable industry source billbil-kun. The device is expected to launch in early September 2026, positioning the company to broaden its reach in the wireless audio market following the recent release of its premium The Collexion headphones.
Priced at approximately €249.99 or £219.99, the new model represents a significant discount compared to the original WH-1000XM4, which launched in 2020 at $349.99. This pricing strategy contrasts sharply with Sony’s recent high-end offerings, including the $449 WH-1000XM6 released last year and the $650 The Collexion headphones launched in May 2026. The move suggests a deliberate effort to capture consumers seeking value without sacrificing the core functionality of Sony’s noise-canceling technology.
The WH-1000XM4C will retain the original 2020 design, including the folding earcups that were removed in the 2022 WH-1000XM5 redesign. This form factor remains a key differentiator for many users who prefer the compact carrying case and familiar ergonomics of the older model. The new headphones will be available in black, silver, and lavender, appealing to a broad spectrum of aesthetic preferences within the budget-conscious segment.
Internally, the device utilises Sony’s older QN1 noise-cancelling chip, whereas the flagship WH-1000XM6 employs the newer QN3 chip. Despite the older silicon, the headphones will support active noise cancellation, spatial audio, hi-res audio, and earcup touch controls. However, the cost reductions are reflected in the battery performance; the WH-1000XM4C offers up to 34 hours of playback with noise cancellation off and 27 hours with it on, down from the original model’s 38 and 30 hours respectively.
This product launch arrives as Sony’s 1000X line continues to evolve, with the reintroduction of the folding mechanism in the 2025 WH-1000XM6 aimed at addressing user feedback regarding the non-folding XM5 design. For owners of aging original units experiencing battery degradation, the WH-1000XM4C offers a viable, cost-effective replacement option that preserves the classic design while delivering modern connectivity features at a lower entry price.
