Luxury Sony headphones' full specs, design, price, launch date leak: 12-mic ANC, 34h battery, unique case

A comprehensive leak has fully revealed Sony’s upcoming premium audio offering, the 1000X "The ColleXion". Positioned as a luxury pair of cans above the WH-1000XM6, these headphones signal a shift toward the high-end fashion and audiophile markets, moving away from the traditional "WH" naming convention.

The most notable hardware change is a move to a continuous curved headband with polished metal hinges, seemingly addressing the durability issues and plastic hinge failures that have plagued the XM5 and XM6 generations.

Sony 1000X "The ColleXion" leaked specs and features include 12-mic ANC, studio tuning, AI voice calls, premium materials 

• Dual-processor ANC: Powered by a QN3 + V3 processor pairing.
• 12-microphone array: Dedicated to real-time adaptive noise canceling.
• Studio tuning: Drivers co-tuned by engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering, a first for the 1000X series.
• AI voice pickup: 6-microphone beamforming array with wind and background noise reduction.
• Controls: Physical I/O includes a 3.5mm jack, dedicated power and Bluetooth buttons, and a pill-shaped multifunction button.
• Design: Premium build featuring leather-wrapped cushions and metal slider hardware; available in Black and Platinum White.

Battery life and charging

• ANC on: Up to 24 hours.
• ANC off: Up to 32 hours.
• Quick charge: 1.5 hours of playback in 5 min

Sony 1000X "The ColleXion": Box contents, launch date, and pricing - Sony is going after the AirPods Max 2; unique carrying case bundled

According to the leaked info, the official announcement for the headphones is locked in for May 19, 2026, with retail pricing expected to sit at €629 / £549 / $649. The luxury price tag positions "The ColleXion" directly against high-end competitors like the Apple AirPods Max 2 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8.

Inside the packaging, buyers will find the 1000X "The ColleXion" headphones, a 1.2m (3.5mm) audio cable, and a brand-new, sculpted purse-style carrying case featuring an integrated handle and a magnetic closure.

It’s worth noting that there is currently some uncertainty regarding the charging cable. While Sony's official "in the box" slide states that a charging cable is omitted to reduce e-waste, separate promotional family shots explicitly show a USB-A to USB-C cable included in the layout. The official datasheet on May 19 will likely resolve this contradiction.

Once again, Sony’s 1000X "The ColleXion" should be announced on May 19. Stay tuned for more!