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| The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds (pictured) were priced at 319.99 euros at launch, while the upcoming WF-1000XM6 earbuds are expected to retail for 299.99 euros. |
For months, the tech world has been piecing together the puzzle of Sony's next flagship noise-cancelling earbuds. Through app teardowns, regulatory filings, and part listings, the WF-1000XM6 has been leaking in slow motion. Now, a crucial piece of the puzzle—the European price—may have just snapped into place, suggesting a surprising and consumer-friendly move from the audio giant.
According to a fresh report from the reputable French outlet Dealabs, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is set to launch in Europe with a price tag of 299.99 euros. This price is notably lower than the 319.99 euros the acclaimed WF-1000XM5 launched at just a couple of years ago. The report, which you can explore in detail here, mentions the earbuds will be available in two classic colors: Black and Silver.
While specs and a firm release date remain under wraps, the leak points to a target launch window in the first quarter of 2026. This timing has led to widespread speculation that Sony could officially unveil the product at CES 2026 in Las Vegas this coming January, setting the stage for a spring release.
The Trail of Leaks: From App Codes to Replacement Parts
This pricing leak doesn't exist in a vacuum; it's the latest in a series of credible hints. The journey began back in May 2025 when The Walkman Blog spotted a mysterious model number—YY2985—hidden within Sony's Sound Connect app code, explicitly linked to the "WF-1000XM6" name.
The plot thickened as the earbuds, bearing that same YY2985 identifier, began to pass through certification bodies in multiple countries. Most recently, replacement-parts retailer Encompass briefly listed components for the WF-1000XM6 in both Black and Silver, directly tying them back to the YY2985 model and adding substantial weight to the leaks. That listing even included a provisional ship date of February 27, 2026, though this is widely considered a placeholder.
What to Expect: AI, Upscaling, and the Quest for Perfection
Beyond price and color, what can we expect from the Sony WF-1000XM6? Past rumors suggest a significant internal overhaul. Sony is widely expected to shift to a new MediaTek MT2855-based platform for its processor. This move is anticipated to bring integrated AI capabilities to the earbuds, potentially enabling smarter, more adaptive noise cancellation and voice call performance.
Another highly anticipated upgrade is the inclusion of DSEE Ultimate upscaling in a true wireless model for the first time. This premium audio reconstruction technology, found in Sony's over-ear headphones, aims to digitally restore high-range sound lost in compression, promising richer, more detailed listening. The big question mark remains battery life—whether the new chip and features will be more efficient or require a trade-off.
A Strategic Price Point?
If the 299.99-euro leak holds, it represents a fascinating strategic decision. By launching at a lower price than its predecessor, Sony could be aiming to solidify its dominance in the fiercely competitive premium earbud market, directly taking on rivals like Apple's AirPods Pro and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with aggressive value.
Check out the current Sony WF-1000XM5 on Amazon to see today's benchmark.
View on Amazon
All signs now point to an imminent official reveal. With a potential CES 2026 announcement on the horizon, the full picture of the Sony WF-1000XM6—its design, final specs, and confirmed global pricing—should be coming into clear focus very soon. For audiophiles and commuters alike, the next generation of silence and sound is almost here.