Sony reportedly reviving WH-1000XM4 as budget-friendly 'XM4C' variant
Leaked specifications reveal a strategic re-release of the 2020 flagship featuring Bluetooth 6.0 but reduced battery life.
Sony is reportedly preparing to revive its discontinued 2020 WH-1000XM4 headphones as a more affordable model designated the WH-1000XM4C. The move suggests a strategic effort to capture the mid-range audio market by leveraging a proven hardware design.
According to leaks detailed by GSMArena and Android Authority, the WH-1000XM4C retains the original aesthetic of the XM4 but introduces a significant connectivity upgrade with Bluetooth 6.0, moving up from the original's Bluetooth 5.0. However, this lower price point comes with specific hardware trade-offs. Battery performance has been scaled back; the new model is expected to offer 27 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, down from 30 hours, and 34 hours with ANC off, compared to the original's 38 hours. Additionally, the removal of the NFC logo from the left earcup indicates that NFC functionality has been dropped entirely.
Market Context
The original WH-1000XM4, launched in 2020, earned widespread acclaim for its industry-leading noise cancellation and sound fidelity. Although Sony has since progressed to the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, the XM4's foldable design and performance remain highly popular among consumers. By reviving this specific chassis, Sony can avoid the high costs associated with developing a new hardware platform while still offering a competitive product.
Industry Implications
This strategy allows Sony to bridge the gap between its entry-level offerings and its premium flagship WH-1000XM6. By pricing the WH-1000XM4C at approximately €249.99 or £219.99 (roughly $250 to $292), the company can appeal to budget-conscious users who desire high-performance ANC without the flagship price tag. It effectively creates a tiered ecosystem where the 'C' variant serves as a high-value entry point into the premium noise-canceling category.
What to Watch
While the technical specifications and pricing have surfaced through multiple leaks, Sony has not officially confirmed the product's existence. Industry observers are now waiting for an official announcement to verify the final feature set and global availability. While some reports have suggested a potential early September window, a confirmed launch date remains outstanding.