Sony could revive its WH-1000XM4 headphones with a cheaper new model
Sony could revive its WH-1000XM4 headphones as the cheaper XM4C, with a reported US$250 price and September launch.
Sony could be preparing to bring back one of its most popular wireless headphones to offer consumers a more affordable option as audio product prices continue to rise.
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According to a report from the reliable Dealabs leaker billbil-kun, Sony is working on a new version of its WH-1000XM4 headphones, which were originally launched in 2020. The new model is reportedly called the WH-1000XM4C and could be positioned as a lower-cost alternative within Sony’s premium headphone range.
The reported price is around US$250, which would put the headphones well below Sony’s current flagship model. The company has not officially announced the WH-1000XM4C, so the reported specifications, pricing and release date should be treated as unconfirmed.
Sony could reuse the design of its 2020 headphones
The WH-1000XM4C is expected to retain much of the hardware and design of the original WH-1000XM4. The 2020 model was widely regarded as one of the strongest noise-cancelling headphones of its generation, making a refreshed version a relatively straightforward way for Sony to expand its more affordable offerings.
According to the leak, the new headphones would keep the foldable design, 40mm drivers and noise-cancelling processor found in the original model. This suggests that Sony may not be planning a major hardware redesign, instead relying on an existing platform to reduce costs while keeping the core listening experience largely intact.
The reported changes could be limited to battery performance and available colours. The original WH-1000XM4 was rated for up to 38 hours of battery life with ANC off and up to 30 hours with ANC on.
The newer WH-1000XM4C is reportedly rated for up to 34 hours without ANC and 27 hours with ANC. If accurate, that would represent a modest reduction in battery life compared with the 2020 headphones. The new model is also expected to be offered in black and platinum silver, alongside a new lavender finish.
Such changes could allow Sony to reuse existing components and manufacturing processes while introducing a lower-priced product. Rather than competing directly with newer premium headphones on specifications, the WH-1000XM4C could appeal to buyers who value established noise-cancelling technology without paying flagship prices.
Reported pricing could make the XM4C an unusual choice
The leaked pricing would place the WH-1000XM4C considerably below Sony’s latest flagship headphones. The current WH-1000XM6 is listed at US$460 in the US and €470 in Europe, making the reported €250 price for the XM4C in Europe significantly cheaper.
The headphones are reportedly priced at £220 in the UK. Based on those figures, a US price between US$240 and US$250 would be plausible, although no US pricing has been confirmed at this stage.
That price could make the XM4C attractive to consumers looking for Sony’s noise-cancelling technology at a lower cost. However, the company’s own product range could create competition for the new model.
The older WH-1000XM5, which replaced the XM4, is frequently discounted to around US$250. That means consumers could potentially find a newer-generation Sony headphone for a similar amount, depending on retailer promotions.
This could make the positioning of the WH-1000XM4C somewhat unusual. A new version of an older model would need to offer a clear price advantage to convince shoppers to choose it over a discounted WH-1000XM5.
For buyers faced with the two options at roughly the same price, the newer WH-1000XM5 could remain the more appealing choice because of its newer hardware and design. The XM4C may therefore need to be priced below the US$250 level in some markets to establish a clear place in Sony’s range.
Sony has reportedly set a September launch
The same leak claims Sony could launch the WH-1000XM4C on 7 September. If the information is accurate, the company could be preparing to introduce the headphones as a lower-cost addition to its wireless audio portfolio later this year.
The report comes from billbil-kun, who has previously provided accurate information about unreleased technology products. The leaker is also credited with correctly predicting the announcement of the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2024. However, previous accurate leaks do not guarantee that every rumoured product or specification will reach the market.
Sony has yet to confirm the WH-1000XM4C, meaning its name, specifications, battery ratings, colours, pricing and release date could all change before any official announcement. There is also no guarantee that the reported model will be launched in every market.
If Sony revives the WH-1000XM4 platform, the move could signal a broader shift in the consumer electronics market. Manufacturers facing higher component and production costs may increasingly look to older designs to create lower-priced products without developing entirely new hardware.
For now, the WH-1000XM4C remains unconfirmed. If the reported US$250 price and September launch prove accurate, it could give Sony another option for consumers who want premium noise cancellation without paying the price of its latest flagship headphones.
