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| Sony's teaser apparently relates to new LinkBuds rather than the next WF-1000X. |
If you spent yesterday puzzling over Sony’s cryptic social media posts, you weren’t alone. The company promised a “new form of listening” arriving January 21, setting off immediate speculation that the long-awaited WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds were finally incoming. But a reliable industry leaker has now pulled back the curtain, and it’s not the flagship successor everyone expected.
Instead, Sony appears to be reviving its innovative, open-ear LinkBuds series with a brand new model designed for all-day awareness and comfort.
The Leak: What Sony is Actually Launching This Month
According to prominent leaker billbil_kun, who shared details on Dealabs, the January 21 unveiling will be for the Sony LinkBuds Clip (model WF-LC900). This positions it as a direct alternative to other open-ear models gaining popularity, like the Huawei FreeClip.
The core design feature is right there in the name: a hook or clip that attaches behind the ear. This design is intended to provide a secure, stable fit during movement—answering a common concern with ear-hook and open-style buds. It’s the first major new LinkBuds model since late 2024, signaling Sony’s continued investment in this niche.
According to the leak posted on X, the LinkBuds Clip will carry a price tag of $229.99 in the United States and €199.99 in Europe. It’s expected to come in four color options: Black, Cream, Green, and Purple.
Sony LinkBuds Clip: Leaked Specifications & Features
While we await official confirmation from Sony, the leaked specs paint a picture of a fully-featured, premium open-ear audio product. Here’s what billbil_kun has reported:
- Model: WF-LC900
- Controls: Touch controls for playback, volume, and audio mode switching.
- Connectivity: Multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
- Battery Life: A solid 9 hours of battery on the earbuds themselves, with the charging case providing an additional 28 hours. Fast charging support is also included.
- Durability: IPX4 rating for splash and sweat resistance.
- Audio & Features: Support for Adaptive Volume, EQ customization, 360 Reality Audio, and Spatial Sound through the companion Sony Sound Connect app.
- Call Quality: Equipped with dual microphones and a voice vibration sensor to enhance voice pickup during calls.
The full breakdown, available on Dealabs Magazine, suggests Sony is packing its signature audio tech into this new form factor.
Why This Makes Sense for Sony
The leak, if accurate, reveals a clever strategic move. By focusing on the LinkBuds series, Sony is leaning into a growing market segment: users who want high-quality audio without isolating themselves from their environment. This is ideal for runners, cyclists, office workers who need situational awareness, or anyone who finds in-ear buds uncomfortable.
It also allows Sony to space out its flagship releases. The excellent WF-1000XM5 (which you can find renewed on Amazon) remains a top-tier option, and the rumored XM6 likely needs more development time. The January launch window keeps Sony in the headlines with a fresh, innovative product.
The Bottom Line
Sony’s “new form of listening” teaser was perfectly executed—it generated buzz and mystery. While it wasn’t the hint that hardcore ANC fans hoped for, the LinkBuds Clip shapes up to be a compelling addition to the audio landscape. It promises Sony’s engineering prowess in a secure, open-ear design aimed at comfort and awareness.
All will be officially revealed on January 21. Until then, the leaked specs provide a convincing preview of Sony’s next move in the wearable audio game.