Sony has done something rather unusual with its latest pair of premium wireless headphones. Instead of replacing the WH-1000XM6 with an even newer flagship, it has gone back six years and revived one of the most popular models in the history of the 1000X series.
The new Sony WH-1000XM4C, also described as the M4 2nd Gen, brings back the familiar WH-1000XM4 design with a handful of updates for 2026. That means the compact folding mechanism is back, along with Sony’s QN1-powered active noise cancellation, while updated sound tuning, a much more flexible 10-band equaliser and refreshed colours help modernise the formula.
More importantly, Sony is positioning the WH-1000XM4C below the WH-1000XM6 rather than treating it as a flagship replacement, making this a particularly interesting option for buyers who always liked the XM4’s portable design but don’t necessarily want to pay flagship headphone prices.
The WH-1000XM4 Design Makes a Comeback
The most immediately recognisable part of the WH-1000XM4C is its design, because Sony hasn’t tried to reinvent what already worked.
It retains the over-ear form factor and folding hinge of the original WH-1000XM4, allowing the earcups to collapse into a relatively compact carrying case. That’s something Sony moved away from with the WH-1000XM5 before bringing folding back with the XM6, and it remains one of the reasons the original XM4 continues to have such a loyal following.
The WH-1000XM4C weighs approximately 253g and will be offered in Black, Platinum Silver and a new Lavender finish.
Familiar QN1 Noise Cancelling, But Updated Sound
Underneath, Sony hasn’t completely rebuilt the XM4 platform either. The WH-1000XM4C continues to use the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and a four-microphone noise-cancelling arrangement.
That hardware may no longer be Sony’s newest ANC platform, but the original XM4 established a strong reputation for reducing the low-frequency noise associated with aircraft, trains, traffic and busy offices. The XM4C is therefore less about chasing the absolute maximum noise-cancelling performance and more about bringing that proven experience into a lower tier of Sony’s current lineup.
The more significant change comes from sound customisation. Sony says the headphones have received updated sound tuning intended to suit current listening preferences, while the equaliser has been expanded to 10 bands. That’s a substantial improvement over the more limited adjustment available on the original model and gives listeners considerably more control through the Sony Sound Connect app.
Bluetooth 6 and Multipoint Bring the XM4 Formula Into 2026
The WH-1000XM4C updates wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 6 while retaining useful everyday features such as Multipoint, allowing the headphones to remain connected to two devices and switch between them.
Precise Voice Pickup technology is included for calls, while Sony’s familiar touch controls remain part of the experience. The headphones also continue to support a wired connection, useful on long flights, older entertainment systems or whenever Bluetooth isn’t an option.
One thing that hasn’t improved is battery endurance. Sony rates the WH-1000XM4C for up to 27 hours of playback with noise cancelling enabled and around 34 hours without it. That’s slightly shorter than the original XM4, although it remains enough for several days of typical commuting or a long-haul trip.
Why Bring Back a Six-Year-Old Pair of Headphones?
The existence of the WH-1000XM4C says something interesting about the wireless headphone market in 2026.
Newer isn’t automatically better for every buyer. The original XM4 combined good noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort and a genuinely compact folding design in a package that remained popular years after newer generations arrived. Instead of forcing those buyers toward the more expensive XM6, Sony now has a way to keep that formula alive as a more affordable entry into the 1000X family.
It also creates a clearer hierarchy. Buyers looking for Sony’s latest flagship technology still have the WH-1000XM6 and the even more premium 1000X THE COLLEXION, while the XM4C provides a more accessible route into the series without dropping all the way into Sony’s mainstream CH range.
Malaysia Pricing Makes the WH-1000XM4C Particularly Interesting
The WH-1000XM4C has been announced internationally at US$299.99, while European pricing starts at approximately €250 or £220. In Malaysia, the headphones are priced at RM1,099, with Black, Platinum Silver and Lavender colour options and availability expected from November 2026.
At RM1,099, the XM4C sits comfortably below Sony’s newer premium models and could make it one of the more compelling ANC headphones for Malaysian buyers who value portability and proven noise cancellation over having Sony’s newest flagship hardware.
It’s certainly an unusual product strategy, but perhaps that’s precisely why the WH-1000XM4C is interesting. Sony isn’t pretending that one of its most successful headphone designs suddenly became obsolete just because newer generations exist. Instead, it has given the XM4 another life — and at the right price, that could make a lot of sense.
