If you needed any more proof that technology is literally headed in the wrong direction, this is it. Sony, not all that long after releasing the WH-1000XM6, the tentpole of its headphone division, is taking not one, but two steps back. That’s right — the Sony WH-1000XM4 is making a comeback, with a ‘C’ tacked onto the name now.
World War C
It’s been six years since the original XM4 graced our ears, so when rumours started popping up claiming a revival was on the way, we almost didn’t believe them. Now, the ever-credible WinFuture has gone ahead and shown off the WH-1000XM4C in all its glory. Sony evidently hasn’t drunk all the stupid juice, considering the new price.
‘Til Sony is ready to officially announce these, we’ll have to make do with the Euro pricing. WinFuture reckons these will be cheaper than their original counterpart, coming in at around R4,700 (€250) — a €100 cut. That’s honestly not a terrible deal, all things considered. The XM4 delivers stellar audio, better ANC, and a form factor that’s yet to be topped within the WH-1000XM family. It makes what we’re about to say sting just a tad more.
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Because this is still a tech company operating in 2026, it wouldn’t be complete without at least one bad decision. Sony has knocked a couple of hours off the XM4C’s overall battery life, now targeting 27 hours with ANC (down from 30), while turning ANC off will only net 34 hours now (down from 38). That may have something to do with Bluetooth 6 — the only other change being made to the XM4C.
It shouldn’t be long before we get to hear the story from Sony directly. An older leak from Dealabs claims the headphones are practically around the corner and will be released on 7 September 2026. How long it’ll take to reach South Africa and what it’ll cost is still a mystery.
