Leaked Images Reveal Sony's WH-1000XM4C: Specs and Colors

Sony's most recognizable over-ear silhouette is resurfacing. New images and a fresh spec leak point to a relaunch under the name WH-1000XM4C. The photos show three colorways and an overall look that will be instantly familiar to anyone who used the original model.

A familiar shell, a few deliberate cuts

Visually, the XM4C appears almost identical to its predecessor. The one obvious change is the removal of the NFC logo on the left earcup. That small omission hints at a value-oriented revision rather than a ground-up redesign. Fit, materials, and the sculpted earcups look unchanged.

Internally, the leaks claim an upgrade to Bluetooth 6.0, a meaningful step up from the WH-1000XM4's Bluetooth 5.0. At the same time, battery figures read a touch lower than before: certified endurance falls from 30 hours with active noise cancellation on to 27, and from 38 hours with ANC off to 34. Does the newer Bluetooth standard explain the dip in runtime? Maybe, maybe not. Wireless protocol improvements don't always translate to longer real-world playback.

Pricing whispers put the XM4C at €249.99 across the Eurozone, with the UK listing converted to roughly €255.59. That pricing suggests Sony wants the XM4C to sit below the WH-1000XM6 in the lineup, offering strong noise cancellation without a flagship premium.

Leaks are provisional by nature. Specs can shift between rumor and release. Even so, the narrative is coherent: keep the proven design, add newer wireless tech, trim a few conveniences, and shave the price. For listeners who prize ANC but don't want to pay full flagship money, that trade-off could be appealing.

Key takeaway: Sony appears to be offering a pared-down WH-1000XM4 variant with Bluetooth 6.0, slightly reduced battery life, and a euro-focused price that undercuts the WH-1000XM6.