It looks like Sony is getting ready to launch the WH-1000XM6, the next version of its popular noise-canceling headphones. While there’s no official announcement yet, the latest leak suggests that a release could be right around the corner.
Given that Sony usually refreshes this lineup every two years, the longer-than-usual wait has raised some eyebrows. There's some speculation that Sony might be syncing its over-ear headphone updates with its in-ear WF-1000X series, but whatever the reason, these new headphones seem to be on their way.
The latest leak comes from import filings, which were spotted by The Walkman Blog. These filings show that the WH-1000XM6 is listed for distribution in India and Vietnam, which suggests that Sony is moving through the final stages of production and distribution.
As for colors, the documents mention three options:
That means the smoky pink option, which was added to the WH-1000XM5 lineup later, isn’t part of the initial launch for the XM6—at least for now. But Sony has been known to introduce new color options post-launch, so there’s always a chance we’ll see more choices down the line.
There aren’t many confirmed details about design changes, but earlier regulatory filings suggest there could be some tweaks. One potential upgrade is detachable earpads, which would make replacing worn-out cushions much easier. This could be a welcome change for those who want their headphones to last longer without needing a full replacement.
Sony is also switching up the antenna design. The WH-1000XM5 used a “chip” antenna, but the WH-1000XM6 will reportedly feature an “Inverted-F” antenna instead. While it’s unclear what kind of real-world impact this will have, it could lead to more stable connectivity, which is always a good thing for wireless headphones.
On the audio front, the WH-1000XM6 is expected to stick with the same 30mm drivers found in the XM5, so the overall sound profile may not change dramatically.
However, there is an upgrade on the Bluetooth side. The new model is set to support Bluetooth 5.3, which could mean LE Audio support. If that’s the case, we could see improvements in battery efficiency, multi-device connectivity, and lower latency—features that would be particularly useful for gaming, video calls, and streaming.
Another expected feature is fast charging, which was already present in previous models. While it’s not a groundbreaking change, it’s good to see Sony maintaining that convenience.
So, when will the WH-1000XM6 be released? That’s the big question. There’s no official launch date yet, but the FCC filing for these headphones has a confidentiality deadline of July 2025. That means Sony could be keeping details under wraps until then.
However, import listings usually mean that a product is close to launch, so it’s possible that we’ll see the WH-1000XM6 hit shelves much sooner—maybe even in the first half of the year.
If you’re thinking about picking up the WH-1000XM5, now might be a good time to hunt for discounts. Retailers often drop prices on outgoing models when a new version is about to hit the market.
For those who want the latest features or are hoping for major improvements, it might be worth waiting a little longer to see what Sony officially announces. More leaks will likely surface before the launch, giving us a clearer picture of what’s new.
For now, all signs point to a 2025 release for the Sony WH-1000XM6. Whether it’s just a small refinement or a bigger leap forward, we should find out soon.
