Sony's WH-1000XM4C Resurrects the Fan-Favorite Foldable ANC Headphones
Arriving this fall for $300 USD, $50 USD less than the original model’s launch price.
Summary
Sony is resurrecting its discontinued WH-1000XM4 headphones as the updated WH-1000XM4C
The upgraded release features Bluetooth 6, a 10-band equalizer and a fresh lavender colorway
Sony returns to the classic folding design while lowering the retail price to $300 USD
Sony is officially bringing a heavyweight back from the vault. After discontinuing the original model in 2025, the brand is resurrecting its acclaimed 2020 audio silhouette as the updated Sony WH-1000XM4C. The device arrives later this fall for $300 USD, which represents a $50 USD decrease from the original launch price and answers a void in the current hardware market. These headphones previously dominated industry lists for their top-tier noise-canceling capabilities and signature compact folding design. By resurrecting the original hinge mechanism and folding capability, Sony returns to a celebrated form factor that the company moved away from with later flagship releases. This revival includes a brand-new lavender color option alongside the standard white and black aesthetics.
Internally, the updated headphones blend vintage architecture with modern integration. The Sony WH-1000XM4C retains the original model’s QN1 processing chip and its four microphones for active noise canceling. Wireless connectivity now utilizes Bluetooth 6 rather than the previous version. Users gain access to a more precise 10-band equalizer in the companion app, which replaces the standard five bands and adds a dedicated gaming preset. The app also features a new safe mode that allows users to limit the maximum volume output of the headphones, although the limit itself cannot be locked in place. One operational trade-off exists regarding power. The Sony WH-1000XM4C battery life is rated at up to 27 hours with noise canceling on, which marks a slight dip from the previous 30-hour rating.
