Saturday, 3 May 2025

Sony WH-1000XM6 Specifications Leak (Update 2)

Sony WH-1000XM6 WH1000XM6 leaked

The specification of the Sony WH-1000XM6 have been leaked thanks to Amazon Spain and user peruho Unfortunately now photo in the listing, but have much of the new features. No doubt the listing will go down once this post goes up. Update - Amazon has removed the listing, adding screenshot at the end of the post.

Update 2 - Our first photo has leaked showing off the new design. Thanks to user HiNoAme3 from reddit. Further context at the end of the post.

Here is the production description (translated):

Introducing the Sony WH-1000XM6 True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Experience ultimate noise cancelling. Powered by Sony’s new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and 12 precision microphones, Multi Noise Sensor technology captures and cancels ambient noise with exceptional accuracy. Auto NC Optimizer adapts to your surroundings. The WH-1000XM6 also deliver Sony’s best-ever Ambient Sound mode for on-ear headphones. Developed in collaboration with top mastering engineers, they deliver premium audio quality, with 30mm drivers, the advanced HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3, Hi-Res Audio support, DSEE Extreme, and a customizable 10-band EQ in the Sony | Sound Connect app. The headphones are foldable, with a newly designed carrying case. They’re comfortable to wear and available in black, silver, or midnight blue to suit your style. Other features: Up to 30 hours of battery life, fast charging, 360 Upmix for cinema, Game EQ, Sony's best call quality yet, and multipoint connectivity.

Some things that stand out:

  • New QN3 chip
  • 30mm drivers confirmed
  • 12 NC microphones (probably 6 per side) 
    • Up from 9 in the WH-1000XM5
  • 6 AI-powered voice microphones for clear and noise free voice calls
  • Product release May 15
  • Price 388 Euros (in Spain) edit, seems that the price is 470 Euros, but still showing 388 on my end.
  • Auto NC Optimizer still present
  • Foldable design
  • New case, with a magnetic closure for quick access
  • Lightweight - 250g (similar to WH-1000XM5)
  • New headband is even more comfortable and secure than the previous model, with soft, padded ear cushions for a premium comfort feel
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life
  • 3 min quick charge provides up to 3 hours of use
  • Headset can be used while charging
  • Multipoint support

The product details mention "Water resistance level    Water resistant" but there is no IP rating anywhere in the product description, so perhaps not? So unconfirmed right now.

For those curious, no we do not have a QN2 chip, we have a QN2e in the WF-1000XM5, but this is different, as it is an integrated component in the Mediatek MT2833 used in the WF-1000XM5. The WH-1000XM5 does use the QN1, which is Sony's CXD90050. Will be interesting to see if we will have an actual new physical chip for the QN3.

We are still missing the codec support, but I would expect AAC, SBC and LDAC. Would be nice to finally see LC3. I am curious which what Bluetooth chipset Sony will go with, MT2833 or something new? The increase in NC mics is perhaps why Sony is using a new QN3, which might have additional inputs for NC mics.

We should so more retail leaks soon, maybe even this weekend, if not then early next week.

Update 2 - May 5

Thanks to user HiNoAme3 from reddit, we have our first look at the new headset. The design has changed, but the cups are identical as I have mentioned in the post's comments. The headband is now flatter and wider, probably to add better comfort/support. We can see what appears to be metal in the hinge for the swivel mechanism.

I am still waiting on further photos from my sources, hopefully soon. Bets on when we will see the first teaser? Tuesday? Wednesday? or Thursday?

Via Reddit (thanks Ed)

Sony WH-1000XM6 leaked


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51 comments:

  1. I was looking forward to it for a long while. But now I am excited. Let's go!

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  2. Nice info! what do you think about the specifications, how does it compare to xm5 or is it too early to comment

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    Replies
    1. intriguing to say the least, not sure it will be a major upgrade for XM5 users, but if the hinge is stronger, that would be one reason.

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  3. well, do you belive in the price? It costs less the XM5? Maybe it's the price on discount (XM5 for 299 Euro)?

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  4. Amazon Spain price update now sales for 470€

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    Replies
    1. Classic Sony pricing, just wait a few months if you can and we will see at least a 3 in front of it.

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  5. I was really hoping to see an easy to replace user earpad design and Sony selling original replacement earpads. In my opinion this is the worst issue with these headphones since the MX1

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    Replies
    1. still could be a possibility, but just not mentioned in the product description.

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  6. 470...the price at which xm5 came out was too appealing...I bought them in this January, will use them atleast till the end of this year and then probably when sale comes in India, will buy the xm6 but quiet excited to see what sony has comeup with.. specially if there's gonna be anything for gaming ...would love it.

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  7. hey what's up, i have a question about the new xm6, do you think that the hinge will remain sleek and thin as in the xm5?

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    Replies
    1. it will not be much larger than the current XM5, from the photos I have seen.

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    2. Will you be posting the photos soon?

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    3. In a new post or continue posting here?

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  8. Will the headband be like XM4 or similar to XM5?

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    Replies
    1. it is similar to the WH-1000XM5 in appearance, but the headband does look to be spaced out wider or further out, especially when the cups are facing downwards.

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    2. So, basically they’re XM5s that sold like XM4s but with a stronger hinge?

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    3. that looks to be the case.

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    4. fold like the XM5s*

      Then that’s what I’ve been waiting for… I’ve owned the other even numbered editions (XM2 and XM4) so I can’t wait to pre-order; hopefully by next week at the latest.

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  9. I was ready to buy the WH-1000XM5 until I heard about the hinge issue. I really hope this generation's hinge is stronger, as I want something to last for years

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    Replies
    1. My XM5 lasted for more than 2 years - they didn't break, but I sold them as I intend to buy the XM6.

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  10. i was about to buy xm4s but now im just going to wait and buy the 5s, kinda worried about the hinge tho

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    Replies
    1. If you are going to use it wired then go for XM4, XM5 will hiss in wired mode.
      XM5 is more fragile and the only thing you will miss are MEMS anc microphones and auto ANC(which is just an automatic switch between different ANC profiles to reduce white noise)
      Sound profile is different too.

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    2. it doesn't hiss in wired mode

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    3. The hiss is difficult to hear with ANC because of the noise floor(the white noise), turn it off with the sony app(by default the button on the headphones can't turn off anc) and make sure the unit is powered up.
      It's also hissing when it's scanning for previously paired devices to reconnect to.

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  11. Still nothing about WF-XM6?

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  12. When will there be a design leaks?

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  13. I just hope they won't make wired mode hiss again or murder the sound profile, then it would be worth the price.
    I wonder if ANC white noise was improved too, AI should be able to reject white noise, no?

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  14. how likely is it that they will allow for manual control of the ANC this time - like having on maximum cancelling 24/7?

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    Replies
    1. This is the most important for me too. Not enough people mention it and it's why i didn't buy the xm5s. Imagine you have a noisy neighbour or barking dog it will never block these noises out as its random. Sony are stupid not to have the xm6s the way the xm4s are. The xm4s will be the best noise cancelling headphones for decades.

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  15. Are we going to be able to preorder these this week?

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    Replies
    1. unlikely if the release is like in previous years. First we need a teaser, then a week later the reveal with pre-orders starting the same day.

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  16. Archived Amazon page: https://web.archive.org/web/20250503155143/https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0F2TT8Q7M

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  17. Since it will lauch on the 15th May, I think the teaser by sony will be on the Thrusday just like the XM5 maybe 4pm GMT?

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  18. so how does it exactly be folded?the medal?

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    Replies
    1. Metal,sorry

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    2. yes it swivels around the metallic-looking part.

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  19. I really hope the hinges won't break easily like the XM5's...

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  20. I guess we're also looking at a 3-year cycle for the WF series now?

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    Replies
    1. I would hope not, as the model might not be that competitive in 6-12 months time.

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    2. It's not that competitive now tbh. For a little more the AZ100 is so much better sonically. ANC is great with the xm5 though but that's all it has going for it.

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    3. even the anc might not be class leading according to some reviews.

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    4. The call quality is the biggest area for improvement and one it's seriosuly lacking in compared to competitors (even since launch). WH5 had excellent call quality in comparison.

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  21. Is there more information regarding the design of xm6? Like how it fold?

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  22. Dealabs just leaked some more details - https://www.dealabs.com/magazine/sony-wh-1000xm6-on-vous-devoile-les-prix-et-la-fiche-technique-du-prochain-casque-premium-60156

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  23. No news yet. So it is not releasing on 15th May?

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    Replies
    1. if it is supposed to be announced on the 15th, then we should see a teaser today. So far nothing.

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    2. Some says it might release on the 16 May so let's hope it is true

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