Sony WH-1000XM4C Headphones Return with Bluetooth 6, New Color

Sony has officially resurrected its discontinued WH-1000XM4 headphones, reintroducing them as the updated WH-1000XM4C model. The new iteration is set to launch later this fall with a retail price of $300 USD, marking a $50 USD reduction from the original launch price of the WH-1000XM4. This move addresses a gap in the market for the acclaimed audio silhouette, which was previously discontinued in 2025. The original WH-1000XM4 headphones were widely recognized for their superior active noise-canceling (ANC) capabilities and their distinctive compact folding design. The WH-1000XM4C revives this celebrated form factor by returning to the original hinge mechanism and folding structure, a design element that Sony had moved away from in its later flagship headphone releases. In addition to the return of the classic design, the WH-1000XM4C will be available in a new lavender colorway, complementing the existing black and white options. Internally, the updated headphones integrate modern technology with the established architecture of the original model. The WH-1000XM4C retains the QN1 processing chip and the four-microphone array that were crucial for the active noise cancellation performance of the previous version. For wireless connectivity, the new model upgrades to Bluetooth 6, an advancement from the Bluetooth version used in the original WH-1000XM4. Users will also benefit from enhanced audio customization through the companion app, which now features a 10-band equalizer. This expanded equalizer replaces the previous five-band version and includes a new dedicated preset for gaming. The app also introduces a new safe mode designed to allow users to limit the maximum volume output of the headphones, though the specific volume limit cannot be permanently locked. A slight operational adjustment has been made regarding battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM4C is rated for up to 27 hours of playback with active noise canceling engaged, which represents a minor decrease from the 30-hour battery life of the original WH-1000XM4. The original WH-1000XM4 headphones were first released in 2020 and quickly became a benchmark for ANC technology in the consumer audio market, praised for their comfort, sound quality, and effective noise blocking.