A leak regarding the Sony WH-1000XM4C suggests a more affordable version of the legendary XM4 is on the way.

      The forthcoming headphones may maintain the popular foldable design while offering a lower price compared to the flagship XM6.

      Sony might still have more in store for the WH-1000XM4. A recent leak from Billbil-kun indicates that the company is set to release the Sony WH-1000XM4C, a budget-friendly variant of its widely acclaimed noise-canceling headphones. This new model is anticipated to debut in early September, with expected pricing around €249.99 in Europe and £219.99 in the UK, making it considerably less expensive than the flagship WH-1000XM6.

      An established design at a lower cost

      The most unexpected aspect isn’t the name but rather the design. Unlike the newer XM5, which eliminated the foldable hinge, the leaked WH-1000XM4C is said to closely resemble the original XM4’s compact, foldable style. This may please users who preferred the previous design, especially since Sony only reintroduced folding hinges with last year's XM6.

      The headphones are rumored to be available in Black, Silver, and Lavender color options, while retaining many features that made the XM4 a crowd favorite. According to the leak, users can anticipate active noise cancellation powered by Sony’s QN1 processor, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, Spatial Audio, and the familiar touch-sensitive earcup controls for playback and volume changes.

      However, it seems that battery life may be compromised. While the original WH-1000XM4 offered up to 38 hours of playback with ANC off (or 30 hours with ANC on), the WH-1000XM4C is expected to provide 34 hours without ANC and 27 hours with noise cancellation activated. Everything else, though, appears to align closely with the original design.

      A strategic decision for Sony?

      This strategy seems logical. Sony’s headphone lineup has gradually progressed into the premium market over the years, with the WH-1000XM6 launching at a much steeper price than its predecessors. The WH-1000XM4C could cater to buyers seeking Sony’s flagship-level noise cancellation and audio quality without the flagship costs.

      Nothing has been officially verified by Sony as of yet, so the pricing and release date should be viewed as speculative for now. Nevertheless, the proposed approach is intriguing. Instead of replacing the XM6, the WH-1000XM4C appears to revive one of Sony’s most favored headphone designs at a more accessible price. If the leak proves to be accurate, it could represent the ideal balance in Sony’s range for consumers focused on value and portability over the latest hardware.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His experience covers…

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