The short version
- Sony has reintroduced the WH-1000XM4 headphones as the XM4C, featuring Bluetooth 6 support and an expanded equalizer while retaining the original folding hinge design.
- The new model costs $300, which is significantly less than current flagship models but higher than the discounted prices of discontinued units found in secondary markets.
- Budget-friendly options including the CH730N and CH530 have also received updates, such as improved battery life and a volume-limiting safety feature for younger listeners.
Sony has announced the return of its highly regarded WH-1000XM4 headphones, rebranded as the XM4C, marking a strategic pivot back to a design language the company abandoned two years ago. Originally released in late 2020, the XM4s dominated consumer electronics rankings for several years due to their balance of audio fidelity, active noise cancellation, and portability. After going out of stock, the model has been revived with subtle technical enhancements rather than a complete overhaul. The decision to revisit this specific hardware suggests Sony is responding to consumer demand for the compact, foldable form factor that was sacrificed in the subsequent XM5 generation.
Visually, the XM4C mirrors its predecessor almost exactly, maintaining the signature hinge mechanism that allows the headphones to collapse into a small footprint. This design choice contrasts sharply with the non-folding XM5 released in 2022 and even the slightly less compact XM6 from last year. While the aesthetic remains familiar, Sony has introduced a new lavender color option alongside the traditional black and white finishes. The physical similarity extends to the internal hardware architecture; the XM4C continues to rely on the QN1 processing chip and a four-microphone array for noise cancellation. This configuration is notably older than the technology found in newer models, which utilize more advanced chips and significantly higher microphone counts to refine audio isolation.
Despite the reliance on legacy processing hardware, Sony has updated the software experience to align with current standards. The XM4C now supports Bluetooth 6, a significant jump from the Bluetooth 5 standard used in the original release. This upgrade promises improved connectivity stability and potentially lower latency, which is further supported by the inclusion of a dedicated gaming preset. Additionally, the companion Headphones app now offers a ten-band equalizer, doubling the customization options available to users compared to the five-band system on the original XM4. These software tweaks aim to modernize the listening experience without altering the fundamental acoustic character that made the original model popular.
Battery performance presents a slight regression in the new iteration. Sony states that the XM4C provides up to 27 hours of playback with active noise cancellation enabled, down from the 30-hour benchmark set by the original XM4. While this reduction may seem notable on paper, the remaining battery life remains sufficient for extensive travel and daily use. The trade-off appears to be a result of integrating newer wireless standards and processing features into an older hardware chassis. Consumers looking for maximum endurance might find the XM6 or other competitors more appealing, but the XM4C still offers competitive longevity for its class.
Pricing strategy positions the XM4C as a mid-tier option within Sony’s current portfolio. The headphones will retail for $300 when they arrive in stores later this fall. This price point is $50 lower than the original launch price of the XM4 and $100 less than the current flagship XM6. However, it is important to note that discontinued XM4 units were frequently available at steep discounts prior to their removal from shelves, meaning the new model may not represent a value proposition for bargain hunters who can still find older stock. The pricing reflects Sony’s attempt to capture customers who prefer the foldable design but are unwilling to pay premium flagship prices.
Alongside the XM4C revival, Sony has updated its entry-level and midrange headphone lines with the new WH-CH730N and WH-CH530 models. These devices share some of the software improvements seen in the higher-end model, including the ten-band equalizer and gaming preset. The CH730N has been redesigned to fold up, mirroring the compact utility of the XM4C but at a significantly lower cost point. Battery life has been boosted across these budget models, with the CH730N offering up to 50 hours with noise cancellation and the non-ANC CH530 reaching 55 hours. These updates suggest Sony is aiming to improve retention in its lower-cost segments by adding features previously reserved for premium devices.
A notable addition to the software suite for these budget models is a new safe mode feature within the app. This function allows users, particularly parents, to set a maximum volume limit to protect hearing health. While this is a welcomed safety feature, it lacks a lock mechanism, meaning the limit can be adjusted by anyone with access to the app settings. The CH530 and CH730N are available immediately in various colors, including new options like mint green and cobalt blue, catering to a broader demographic beyond traditional tech enthusiasts.
Sony is also leveraging its brand partnerships to drive interest, announcing limited-edition bundles featuring Hello Kitty branding. These packages include select headphone models paired with themed carrying pouches and bags, available exclusively through Sony’s website later this year. While these collaborations appeal to niche markets, the core of this announcement rests on the XM4C’s return. The move highlights a trend in consumer electronics where established, beloved designs are revisited with incremental updates rather than replaced by radical innovations. Whether this strategy will resonate with consumers who have moved on to newer technologies remains to be seen as the products hit shelves.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Verge↗Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphones
