Sony to Release Next-Gen WH-1000XM6 Wireless Headphones

On the connectivity front, the XM6 is expected to adopt Bluetooth 5.3. While not the absolute latest, it's modern enough to support LE Audio and advanced codecs, which could mean better audio quality and more stable connections. Interestingly, the filing mentions a switch from an on-chip antenna to an Inverted-F Antenna. For us, that suggests a potential boost in signal strength and reliability—a subtle but meaningful enhancement.

Power-wise, things seem consistent with the XM5, offering fast charging at both 5V and 9V. No word on the exact battery capacity yet, but if Sony continues its trend—incrementally increasing capacity each generation—we might see a slight bump in battery life. Past models went from 1,000mAh to 1,200mAh, so perhaps the XM6 will follow suit.

What remains a mystery is whether Sony will bring back the foldable design that many of us miss from the XM4, or stick with the rigid structure introduced with the XM5. Also, details about any advancements in ANC and sound quality are still under wraps. It's unclear if there will be new drivers or improved noise processing.

It's worth noting that the FCC filing labels the XM6 as a prototype. That means some features might change by the time the final product hits the shelves. While we don't have the full picture yet, the signs point to Sony refining and building upon their flagship headphones.

As more information trickles in, the anticipation builds. If the XM6 lives up to the hype, they could very well set a new benchmark in the wireless ANC headphone market.