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| The Sony WF-1000XM6 will match the price of its predecessor in some markets, but not all, WF-1000XM5 pictured. |
The rumor mill is churning, and for audiophiles eagerly awaiting Sony’s next flagship earbuds, a prominent leaker has just dropped a significant update. billbil-kun, a source with a strong track record for accurate tech leaks, has shared fresh details that clarify the expected launch timeline, pricing, and availability for the Sony WF-1000XM6.
While the actual design of the successors to the acclaimed WF-1000XM5 remains under wraps, the latest information paints a clearer picture of when you might be able to get your hands on them and for how much.
Pricing: A Mixed Picture Across Regions
Earlier reports suggested a regional pricing strategy. According to billbil-kun, Sony is expected to set the price at €299.99 in Europe, which would match the launch price of the WF-1000XM5. However, for customers in the United States, the news is slightly different. The leak points to a price of $329.99, which would represent a roughly 10% increase over the WF-1000XM5's launch price.
For the latest from the source, check out billbil-kun's post on X (formerly Twitter) where they discuss these details.
This potential price hike in the U.S. market, if accurate, could reflect new technology costs or a different market positioning strategy from Sony. For comparison, the current model, the WF-1000XM5, is often available on platforms like Amazon for less than its original MSRP, making the new model's potential starting point an interesting point of discussion.
Release Date: Sooner Than Expected, With a Twist
Perhaps the most exciting part of the new leak concerns the release schedule. Previous information pointed to a late February arrival. However, billbil-kun has now updated their report with a more precise and slightly earlier date.
According to their latest article on Dealabs, Sony is planning a more direct launch approach. The report states that there will be no formal pre-order period. Instead, the WF-1000XM6 are expected to begin shipping directly to customers starting February 12.
Dive deeper into the release timeline and the leaker's methodology in the full Dealabs magazine article.
This "ship date" of February 12 replaces a previously mentioned February 23 timeline. A launch without pre-orders is somewhat unusual for a major product in this category, suggesting Sony may be confident in its initial stock or is opting for a swift, surprise-style release to get units to consumers faster.
Design & Color Options: A Conservative Start?
While we await official images, the leak also provides a glimpse at the initial color palette. Reportedly, the WF-1000XM6 will launch in just two classic colorways: Black and White (or Platinum Silver).
This is a step back from the WF-1000XM5, which expanded to a third color option—a stylish Light Brown—in late 2024. A more limited launch palette isn't uncommon, with manufacturers sometimes adding more vibrant or special editions later in a product's lifecycle to renew interest.
The choice to stick with basics suggests Sony is focusing its initial production on core models. The design language itself remains one of the biggest mysteries. The WF-1000XM5 were notably smaller and lighter than the XM4s, so it will be fascinating to see if Sony continues this miniaturization trend or focuses on integrating new features that might affect the form factor.
What to Expect Next
As always with leaks, it's wise to treat this information as highly credible speculation until Sony makes an official announcement. The combination of billbil-kun's reputation and the specific details provided makes this a very compelling look at Sony's roadmap.
If the February 12 ship date holds true, an official announcement from Sony should be imminent—potentially within the next two weeks. When they do arrive, expectations will be sky-high. The WF-1000XM5 are consistently ranked among the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, praised for their exceptional sound quality, industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), and improved comfort.
In the meantime, you can check the latest prices and reviews for the current champion, the WF-1000XM5, on Amazon to see what the new model will be up against.
The WF-1000XM6 will need to advance the game in meaningful ways, whether through even better noise cancellation, longer battery life, enhanced call quality, or new audio technologies like support for higher-resolution Bluetooth codecs. Based on this leak, we won't have to wait much longer to find out.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the potential launch window.