Sony WH-1000XM4C Rumor: Older ANC Headphones Could Return at a Lower Price
Sony may be preparing an unusual move in the premium headphone market. According to a new report, the company could bring back the popular WH-1000XM4 in a refreshed version called the WH-1000XM4C.
The original WH-1000XM4 debuted in 2020 and was eventually replaced by newer generations, including the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6. Now, Sony reportedly wants to give the older design another chance, but with a significantly lower launch price.
If the information is accurate, the WH-1000XM4C could arrive in Europe in September.
Sony Could Bring Back the WH-1000XM4 as the New WH-1000XM4C
Sony appears to be taking an unexpected approach with its wireless headphone lineup. Instead of focusing exclusively on its newest flagship models, the company is reportedly preparing to revive an older product.
The Sony WH-1000XM4C is said to be a new version of the original WH-1000XM4, which launched back in 2020.
The original model has since been succeeded by the WH-1000XM5 and the newer WH-1000XM6, making a return of the XM4 family particularly surprising.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Price and Launch Date
According to the current information, Sony could launch the WH-1000XM4C on September 7, 2026.
The rumored European pricing is:
| Region | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Europe | €249.99 |
| UK | £219.99 |
That would make the reported European launch price around €100 lower than the original WH-1000XM4’s launch price.
However, there is an interesting problem with this pricing.
Depending on current promotions, the newer WH-1000XM5 can sometimes be found for less than the rumored price of the XM4C. That could make the new-old model a difficult sell unless Sony positions it with additional advantages.
What Is the WH-1000XM4C?
The WH-1000XM4C is reportedly based very closely on the original WH-1000XM4.
Rather than being a completely new generation, Sony appears to be preparing a re-release of the older headphone design with a new product designation.
The reported specifications are also said to be largely unchanged from the original model.
That could make the XM4C particularly interesting for consumers who liked the XM4’s design and feature set but don’t want to spend flagship-level money on Sony’s latest headphones.
Three Color Options Reportedly Planned
Sony is reportedly preparing the WH-1000XM4C in three colors:
- Platinum Silver
- Black
- Lavender
The addition of Lavender would give the revived model a slightly different visual identity compared with the original lineup.
Black and Platinum Silver, meanwhile, continue the more traditional Sony headphone styling.
Battery Life Could Be Slightly Lower
There is one notable difference in the reported specifications.
The WH-1000XM4 originally offered up to 38 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation turned off.
The rumored WH-1000XM4C is reportedly rated for 34 hours under the same condition.
That represents a four-hour reduction compared with the original specification.
At the moment, there is no clear explanation for why the newer version would have shorter battery endurance if the rest of the hardware remains largely similar.
How the WH-1000XM4C Fits Into Sony’s Lineup
Sony currently has newer premium models in the WH-1000X family, so bringing back an older generation could allow the company to create a lower-priced option without designing an entirely new headphone platform.
The lineup would effectively offer consumers different price points:
Older/revived option → WH-1000XM4C
Newer premium option → WH-1000XM5
Latest flagship → WH-1000XM6
This strategy could appeal to buyers who want Sony’s established noise-cancellation technology without paying for the latest model.
But the Pricing Could Be a Problem
The biggest question surrounding the WH-1000XM4C may not be its specifications but its price.
At €249.99, the rumored headphone would sit in an awkward position if discounted WH-1000XM5 units are available for less.
Consumers generally have little reason to choose an older product at a higher price unless there is a specific advantage.
Sony could potentially address this through launch promotions, regional pricing or other bundled offers, but those details aren’t known yet.
WH-1000XM4C vs Original WH-1000XM4
| Feature | WH-1000XM4 | WH-1000XM4C |
|---|---|---|
| Product generation | 2020 model | Reported 2026 relaunch |
| Noise cancellation | Yes | Expected |
| Battery with ANC off | Up to 38 hours | Reported 34 hours |
| Design | Original XM4 design | Expected to be similar |
| Colors | Multiple | Black, Platinum Silver, Lavender |
| Launch price | Higher originally | €249.99 / £219.99 rumored |
| Status | Discontinued | Rumored comeback |
Should You Wait for the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
If you’re looking for a Sony noise-cancelling headphone and don’t need the newest hardware, the rumored XM4C could become an interesting option.
However, it would be sensible to wait for the official announcement and actual retail pricing.
The biggest factor will be the price gap between the XM4C and discounted XM5 units. If the newer model is regularly available for less, the revived XM4 could struggle to attract buyers.
On the other hand, aggressive discounts on the XM4C could make it a compelling mid-range ANC headphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sony WH-1000XM4C?
The WH-1000XM4C is reportedly a revived version of Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones, which originally launched in 2020.
When could the Sony WH-1000XM4C launch?
The current report suggests a September 7, 2026 launch, although Sony has not officially confirmed the date.
How much could the WH-1000XM4C cost?
The rumored European price is €249.99, while the UK price is reportedly £219.99.
How long will the WH-1000XM4C battery last?
The reported battery rating is up to 34 hours with ANC turned off, which would be four hours less than the original WH-1000XM4’s 38-hour rating.
What colors will the WH-1000XM4C be available in?
The rumored colors are Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender.
Is the WH-1000XM4C better than the WH-1000XM5?
It is too early to make that conclusion. The XM4C is reportedly based on the older XM4 hardware, while the XM5 is a newer generation. Actual pricing will be an important factor.
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Final Verdict
Sony’s reported plan to revive the WH-1000XM4 is certainly unexpected. The proposed WH-1000XM4C appears to retain much of the original headphone’s hardware while introducing a lower European launch price and a new Lavender color option.
However, the reported 34-hour battery life with ANC disabled is slightly below the original model’s rating, and the €249.99 price could put the headphone in a difficult position if the newer WH-1000XM5 continues to receive heavy discounts.
For now, the WH-1000XM4C remains an unconfirmed product, so buyers should wait for Sony’s official announcement before making a decision.
Source (in French)