Sony WH-1000XM4C leak hints at a cheaper take on the iconic XM4, and it’s coming soon

Sony's WH-1000XM4 headphones may have a new, less expensive sibling on the horizon. According to a recent leak, the company is set to release the Sony WH-1000XM4C, a more budget-friendly version of its popular noise-canceling headphones. This upcoming model is anticipated to hit the market in early September, with prices estimated at €249.99 in Europe and £219.99 in the UK, which is considerably lower than the premium WH-1000XM6.

The most striking difference isn't the name itself but the design. Unlike the newer XM5, which abandoned the foldable hinge, the leaked WH-1000XM4C seems to keep the original XM4's compact, foldable form factor, a feature that might appeal to users who prefer the older design. Sony is expected to offer the WH-1000XM4C in Black, Silver, and Lavender color options, and it will continue to feature many of the elements that made the XM4 a fan favorite, including active noise cancellation powered by Sony's QN1 processor, Hi-Res Audio support, Spatial Audio, and touch-sensitive earcup controls for playback and volume adjustments.

However, the trade-off seems to be in battery life. While the original WH-1000XM4 could provide up to 38 hours of playback with ANC off (or 30 hours with ANC on), the WH-1000XM4C is rumored to offer 34 hours without ANC and 27 hours with noise cancellation enabled. Nevertheless, this positioning seems logical, given Sony's ongoing trend of gradually moving its headphone lineup towards higher price points.

The WH-1000XM4C could cater to buyers who desire Sony's flagship-grade noise cancellation and audio features at a more affordable price. Keep in mind that this is still a leak, so the pricing and launch date should be taken as such until officially confirmed by Sony. The launch of the WH-1000XM4C could fill a niche in Sony's lineup, offering a cost-effective alternative to the flagship XM6 for those who prioritize value and portability over the very latest hardware.

In other news, ESPN is also making waves with a price increase for its services. Starting September 17, ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited will both cost more, and the hike will also affect several Disney+ and Hulu bundles. This marks the first price increase since ESPN's standalone app launched last August.