Here we go folks, the WH-1000XM6 (YY2984) has shown up on the FCC. I know many have been waiting for this, so here we go, let us see what the filling reveals.
First off, the short term confidentiality ends on July 22 2025, but hopefully we will get a reveal before this. The headset is described as a Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, and is made in Malaysia. Just like previously, fast charging will be supported as we have 5V and 9V rating. We have the same battery rating 3.8V like in the WH-1000XM5. This does not mean we will have the same capacity. WH-1000XM3 was 1000mAh, WH-1000Xm4 was 1100mAh, and WH-1000XM5 is 1200mAh.
The design from the label document (see top photo), shows what could be detachable earpads, but unknown if the pads are connected with clips or magnets. While the earcup and pads are only drawings, they do look different than the WH-1000XM5, so perhaps we have a redesign of the pads and even the hinge, but only speculation. The driver size, if accurate in the drawing, looks to still be 30mm.
Bluetooth version is 5.3 (BR/EDR/LE), which could mean LE Audio will be supported. The antenna is now described as "Inverted-F Antenna", where as previously the WH-1000XM5 used a "chip antenna". The antenna gain is now 2.91 dBi versus 1.6 dBi in the WH-1000XM5.
The software for Bluetooth testing is "Headset_BT_Test", the same software as was used in the WH-1000XM5, so there is a good chance we will see a Mediatek SoC again. It is interesting that Sony is using their own AC Adapter in the test, the AC-UD20, which is rated at 5V = 1500mAh, or 7.5W. Note, this was the charger used in the FCC testing.
Finally, the device is described as an engineering prototype, not per-production just like with the WH-1000XM5. If I find any more information I will update the post.
Update 10 - March 14 2025
The headset has been imported into the Philippines. I am not sure this is for testing purposes, as all 3 colours were imported and it says "Sony Merchandise" and nothing about testing.
Update 9 - March 7 2025
The headset has been certified by e-ComM as well. While there are other sites where it can still be certified, many of these are not searchable or public. Perhaps we might still see an Apple MFi certification, and perhaps from Taiwan, but thanks to the WF-C710N certification leak there, I do not expect another leak like that again.
Of course if someone wishes to send me some information regarding the new headset, please do not hesitate to do so. Photos, specs or even when they will be introduced would be appreciated.
Update 8 - March 6 2025
Looks like the new WH-1000XM6 just passed through Korea's FCC. This certification also confirms that the model is made in Malaysia still.
Update 7 - March 5 2025
The headset has appeared on TDRA today. For comparison, the WH-1000XM5 appeared on TDRA on April 6th, 2022, so around 5 weeks before announcement, but then the WF-1000XM5 took 111 days from TDRA appearance to announcement. Meaning, we cannot really use a TDRA appearance as a good measure of when we will see the new model announced. We still have no E-ComM entry or even Korean FCC, which is rather strange. But with each day and certification, we move one day closer to the announcement and perhaps even a leak.
Update 6 - February 28 2025
We have confirmation of the colours, black, platinum silver and blue. Codes are BM (black), SM (platinum silver) and LM (midnight blue).
Update 5 - February 11 2025
The headset has appeared on IMDA. Still no Korean FCC listing or TDRA.
Update 4 - February 7 2025
I have colour information from a source, the headset will be offered in 3 colours, black, silver, and blue. It seems that the blue that Sony added to the WH-1000XM5 has become quite a popular choice, so I think Sony has opted to keep it on the new model.
Thank you to the source.
Update 3 - February 6 2025
The headsets has appeared on UL Solutions, which is a safety testing company. UL "tests the latest products and technologies for safety before they are marketed around the world". This is for both US and Canada. So a step closer to release.
Notice that the current WH-1000XM5 (YY2954) is also on this same list. I have checked, but no other new model codes on UL. Still wondering when we will see them on Korea's FCC, TDRA, IMDA or EcomM
Update 2 - January 25 2025
The headset has been certified in Canada. Still nothing on Korea's FCC.
Update: I have received a few questions from many users, I will try to address some of these questions in the post.
When will the headset be released? Is it July 2025?
The short term confidentiality (STC) ends on July 22 2025, meaning the internal and external photos of the device, and the manual will be available for viewing. Most of Sony's headsets are revealed before their short term confidentiality date ends. The WH-1000XM5's STC date was August 8th 2023, but the headset was announced in May 2023, so around 13 weeks before. So potentially we could be looking an announcement date of end of April to early May.
Will LE Audio be supported?
The FCC filling does not reveal this information. The only information is BR/EDR/LE, but the LE could just be for Low energy Bluetooth, and not LE Audio. Unfortunately Bluetooth SIG no longer shows any model information, and the organization has locked down viewing of individual models behind a login.
Has the hinge been redesigned?
Great question. If we take the drawing as the final design, then upon initial inspection the new hinge looks different to the WH-1000XM5.
This is a comparison, not ideal, but should suffice.
- This is the same line on the WH-1000XM5. Notice this is straight and flat, no curve in this connection.
- The surface under the hinge on the WH-1000XM5 looks very different to the one on the WH-1000XM6. The new model has concave top curve, where as the old model has a convex curve at the top. Clearly this is different.
- This new seam/line is straight but then curves down and then back to straight again. This is not present on the WH-1000XM5.
- A second seam/line is present above #3, again absent in the WH-1000XM5.
So with #3 and #4, I think we have a new design on the hinge. Could it be a folding hinge? Perhaps, #2 could be the folding hinge piece. But the photo below shows the drawings for the WH-1000XM4 and ULT Wear, both which fold and their hinges look very different.
You said it is a prototype, does this mean the design can change?
Very unlikely, as in the past all, if not most of Sony's FCC fillings were of prototype models, with a few exceptions where they were pre-production, and even some production. The WH-1000XM3 and M4 were pre-production models, but the WH-1000XM5 was a prototype, like the WH-1000XM6.
Will there be support for aptX?
I would not bet on it. Sony stopped supporting aptX once they moved to Mediatek SoCs in their headsets. The last model that supported aptX used a Qualcomm SoC.
What is the difference between a "chip" antenna and a "Inverse-F" antenna?
The only information which I think could be useful is this statement from Wikipedia:
The design has two advantages over a simple monopole: the antenna is shorter and more compact, allowing it to be contained within the case of the mobile device, and it can be impedance matched to the feed circuit by the designer, allowing it to radiate power efficiently, without the need for extraneous matching components.
So if the new antenna is a PCB inverse-F antenna, then this could allow Sony to make the main PCB smaller. But then the main PCB on the WH-1000XM5 is already quite small and compact. Of course if anyone who is more versed in this field, can explain why Sony went with an inverse-F antenna, please drop it in the comments.
Thanks to anonymous for letting me know. Question now is, where is the WF-1000XM6?
YES! finally, now if only the hinge design was changed, it would be perfect
ReplyDeleteThey won't change it, because 1. It'd be admitting the old hinge design was defective and 2. Hinge breaks -> most people would just buy a whole new set of headphones
DeleteThat's kinda nonsense, lots of designs get changed if they aren't good enough. Also it's obvious there'll be changes.
DeleteThe WH-1000XM2, M3 and M4 had small changes in their designs, with more of the changes internally.
DeleteWhat are the chances that the WF model will be a year behind? As in, 3 years between both XM5 and XM6 models?
ReplyDeleteZackbuks said both WH and WF updates on first half of 2025. But I've yet to identify a model code for the WF model. I am hopeful we will see something soon.
DeleteHopefully a more comfortable headband. The 5's hurt my head
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I've got a shaven head and it's almost like the XM5 leaves an indentation in my scalp after use.
DeleteI've had times when the headband was hurting from extended use. I suspect that the thinner design is the issue here, with the older models having a much wider headband.
DeleteI would love to see planar magnetic drivers
ReplyDeleteunlikely, as planar magnetic drivers lack the bass which is required to cancel the low frequencies. Sony's purchase of Audeze was by the SIE, and geared towards gaming. the PS pulse explore earbuds have magnetic drivers.
DeletePlanars have the best bass performance, with the least distortion too. They're much better than dynamic drivers. Maybe Sony needs time to develop ANC with it
DeleteOnly the Playstation models use the planer drivers for now, but none of the models have ANC. I doubt Sony didn't add ANC because they didn't need it, especially when the inzone products have ANC but lack planar drivers. Even if the planer drivers are better as you say, Sony has not yet combined them with ANC. Could also be a cost issue.
DeleteYeah true. It'd probably take huge tweaks to ANC and cup design to get there. And planars do typically cost more. 2025 did seem a little too early to see ANC planars from Sony
DeleteIf the design is final it does not look like planar drivers from audazee will be used ...so not much improvement as far as sound quality just some fancy features no upgrade as far as sound quality is concerned...
ReplyDeleteThe audeze purchase was not by Sony electronics but by Sony interactive entertainment. So for gaming. The PS pulse earbuds use these planar drivers. These drivers are not that good for low bass sounds, which are important for cancelling low bass noise.
Deletewell, surely the hinge needs a new design. cuz my wh-1000xm5 borke on both side just around where the mark 2 is shown on the pic above.
ReplyDeleteBeen using the XM5s since their launch as my second pair, departing from XM4s. The new pairs check every box except headband comfort for me, but since I grew my hair, this issue subsided well. Here’s the thing, this downwards brace located under #2 broke because my friend accidentally leaned on them, hence why the bass and noise started leaking in and out of the housing, causing the NC to play weird on the L cup. Talking with Sony representatives on my end proved costs are not worth it. I'll say this with bias, I like my broken XM5s. Yeah, I do get sentimental. However, if the new model is not worth it, then I'll take it upon myself to fix the pair. Hopefully, I'll update you all !!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a way better (possibly neodymium drive from their flagship wired headphones) driver, which has better clarity, to beat the airpods max, the bowers and wilkins px8 and focal Bathys (although priced more) just to name a few.
ReplyDeleteJust bring back the folding design. If anything, let them fold. The ONE and only reason I didn't buy the XM5 and still use both the XM3 and XM4, is because the XM5 doesn't fold. I travel, frequently. I use headphones on trains, subways, and planes.When not in use, I want to store hem in their protective box. Why? WHY do they design something that takes up so much space? When traveling, space and weight are the top concerns. If the XM6 does not fold, then just like the XM5, I will simply skip it. For the love of anything and whatever you believe in Sony: let the XM6 fold!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if they finally will implement a (hardware) mic mute solution this time.
ReplyDeleteI hope they add built-in Spatial Audio in xm6, if they don’t, then I might go for the Sonos headphones, now That’s a good case scenario.
ReplyDeleteAny chances on introducing the wifi audio like how they did with xiaomi buds 5 pro wifi edition???
ReplyDeleteWill they introduce the wifi audio like the one they are doing with the Xiaomi buds 5 pro wifi edition??
ReplyDeleteFix Aluminum like Bose did in its Bose QuietComfort Ultra. And spatialized audio for immersive listening, no matter the content or source. That's all that needs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteReplying to other people: i too wish XM6 will have better headband comfort and less confusing folding design but i worry far more about the electronics design, XM5 is a massive downgrade for anyone who wants to use it wired because it hisses unusably loud when XM4 and XM3 does not or much less.
XM5 also hisses under other circumstances like when it's scanning to reconnect to paired devices.(it's much harder to hear but XM4 has this pairing hiss too)
We want 40-mm driver unit
ReplyDeleteWe want 40-mm driver unit
We want 40-mm driver unit
Ok but what will it change?
Delete