Here is your first look at Sony's most premium 1000X The ColleXion headphones before launch

Sony is preparing to launch a new pair of premium headphones allegedly called the 1000X "The ColleXion" Edition. These headphones are special because they celebrate 10 years of Sony's 1000X headphone series. Here are all the details we know about the upcoming headphone.

In Short

• Sony may launch the 1000X “The ColleXion” Edition
• It is said to be launched as a part of the brand’s 10 years of Sony’s 1000X headphone series
• The headphones are likely to be positioned above the WH-1000XM6

Sony is preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its 1000X headphone lineup. The company introduced the flagship series with the launch of the Sony MDR-1000X in September 2016, a pair of headphones known for their strong Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performance, LDAC high-resolution audio support, and touch controls. Now, the anniversary event, scheduled for May 19, is also expected to see the launch of Sony’s upcoming 1000X “The ColleXion” Edition headphones. However, ahead of the official unveiling, the headphones have leaked online in full. The leak reveals official-looking product images, key specifications, pricing details, and bundled accessories.

The new headphones appear to be positioned above last year's launch of the WH-1000XM6 rather than replacing them directly. Sony seems to be targeting users looking for a more premium and luxury-focused version of its flagship noise-cancelling headphones.

A more premium design than the XM6

The leaked images shared by OnLeaks and HotEUDeals show several design changes compared to the WH-1000XM6. The most noticeable update is the new metal yoke connecting the earcups to the headband. Unlike the fork-style hinge used on the XM6, the new model appears to use a single polished metal arm, which could improve durability and give the headphones a more premium look.

Sony has also redesigned the headband with thicker leather-like padding and a wider structure for improved comfort. The earcups appear larger than before, while the buttons are more visible and separated. The microphone grilles have also been redesigned and now appear more open compared to previous models.

The headphones are expected to launch in black and white colour options.

Another major change is the folding mechanism. Based on the leaked images, the new headphones do not appear to fold inward like the WH-1000XM6. Instead, Sony seems to be returning to the swivel-style design seen on older generations such as the XM5.

The headphones will reportedly come with a redesigned carrying case that features a built-in handle and magnetic closure instead of a zipper. The case appears to maintain the fabric finish used on previous Sony headphone cases but introduces a more fashion-focused design.

Inside the box, users are expected to receive a charging cable and a 3.5mm cable for wired listening.

Sony is putting more focus on sound quality

Sony is reportedly working with three well-known mastering studios — Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering — to tune the headphones. According to the leak, the headphones will use “bespoke drivers,” although the exact driver size remains unknown.

The headphones are also expected to include a 12-microphone system with six microphones on each side. Sony is said to be combining adaptive active noise cancellation with beamforming technology to improve voice pickup during calls.

The leak further claims that Sony will use the same QN3 noise-cancelling processor found in the WH-1000XM6, alongside a new V3 co-processor that could improve audio processing and ANC performance.

Sony 1000X “The ColleXion” Edition battery

According to the leaked marketing materials, the new headphones could deliver up to 24 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled and up to 32 hours with ANC turned off.

Those numbers are lower than Sony’s claimed battery life for the WH-1000XM6, which offers up to 30 hours with ANC enabled.

The headphones are also expected to support fast charging, with a five-minute charge reportedly providing around 90 minutes of playback.

Sony could position the headphones as a luxury product

The leaked pricing suggests Sony is aiming for the premium end of the market. The 1000X “The ColleXion” Edition is expected to launch at $649 (around Rs 62,581) in the US, €629 in Europe (Rs 70,555), and £549 in the UK (Rs 70,911).

- Ends