Sony might soon launch its new flagship noise-canceling headphones.
Sony's flagship XM6 headphones may feature detachable ear pads.
It's been three years since Sony unveiled its flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones, which are regarded as the best wireless headphones for most users. Recently, a request submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggests that the release of the new XM6 could be imminent. This document points to a slight redesign, which would include a new hinge and what appear to be removable ear pads.
The Walkman Blog was the first to notice this request, which includes a product diagram showing some details of the right ear cup. Most interestingly, the diagram indicates that the ear pad may lift up to access a "user-accessible identification plate" containing the model and serial numbers. Since the FCC requires this plate to be accessible, it's likely that the ear pad is attached without screws, although it's not yet known if clips, magnets, or another system will be used. In the previous generation, the FCC details were concealed beneath the inner edge of the ear pads, which were not removable.
The filing with the FCC also notes that the hinge of the new headphones appears slightly different from that of the previous generation, though there is no reason to believe this implies a return to the folding design of the XM4. The Bluetooth version is noted as 5.3, and there are details about the antenna and power specifications, but it does not specify how they will look or sound.
Although the request does not directly mention the XM6 headphones, the model numbers seem to indicate it. The new headphones bear the model number YY2984, which is remarkably similar to the YY2954 of the XM5. It's important to note that the tested model is marked as a prototype, meaning some details could change before release.
The FCC request also includes a "short-term confidentiality" request with an expiration date of July 22, 2025, suggesting that an official announcement could be made before that date. Since the XM5 was released in May 2022, another launch could take place in the spring.