Sony’s WH-1000XM6 are coming, and they mean business

The next chapter in Sony’s cult-favorite headphone saga is almost here. Leaks suggest the Sony WH-1000XM6, successor to the beloved Mark 5s, will debut as soon as May 15. And from what we’ve seen so far, they’re not just an upgrade, they’re quite an evolution.

ALSO READ: Sony ULT Wear review

An Amazon Spain listing (quickly pulled down, naturally) spilled most of the beans, and audio fans are already buzzing. The new model builds on everything the Sony WH-1000XM5 nailed, and then turns the dial up to eleven. The standout spec? A new QN3 HD processor reportedly seven times faster than the already-impressive QN1 in the previous gen.

This allows for way smarter noise-canceling, faster real-time adjustment, and potentially richer, more immersive sound. Let’s delve into everything we know about the Sony WH-1000XM6.

What features does the WH-1000XM6 offer?

The WH-1000XM6 appears to refine and reimagine the formula Sony has been perfecting for years. This time, Sony is giving calls the AI treatment with a six-microphone beamforming setup designed to isolate your voice in even the noisiest environments.

The headphones now sport a foldable, closed-back design, finally solving one of the XM5’s biggest portability pain points, while subtle tweaks to the hinge construction promise improved durability for daily carry.

Inside, Sony has packed in a dozen microphones and their new Multi Noise Sensor technology, which works in tandem with an Auto NC Optimizer to continuously calibrate noise cancellation based on your surroundings. Be it a pressurised cabin at 35,000 feet or a bustling street, the Active Noise Cancellation will likely be dramatically better.

Audio hasn’t been neglected either. You still get 30mm drivers, LDAC support, 360 Reality Audio with head tracking, DSEE Extreme upscaling, and a 10-band EQ you can customise via the Sony Headphones Connect app.

Sony WH-1000XM6 price leaked, and it’s climbing

Nothing great comes cheap, and the WH-1000XM6 is no exception. According to Dealabs, Sony is pricing the headphones at $449.99 (roughly Rs 42,378), which is a $50 bump from the XM5.

Will the price hike be worth it? That depends. The XM5 was only a minor jump in noise cancellation from the XM4. If the QN3 HD chip and AI upgrades translate to a truly next-gen listening experience, Sony could be setting a new benchmark again.

When will the Sony WH-1000XM6 be available?

While Sony hasn’t officially confirmed the launch, all signs point to a mid-May debut, with May 15 looking most likely. Pricing in India is expected to land around Rs 38,000, placing it squarely in flagship territory and about Rs 4,000 more expensive than its predecessor.

Still, for those who treat audio gear like their everyday essentials, and want gear that keeps up with both flights and Zoom calls, the Sony WH-1000XM6 could be the headphone drop of the year.