Sony WH-1000XM4: what we want to see from Sony’s new wireless headphones

Rumors of an imminent Sony WH-1000XM4 release date have been circling since an FCC filing from Sony revealed the model number of what could be a brand new pair of noise-canceling headphones. 

Their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones have been on top of our list of the best headphones since their release way back in August 2018 – and if Sony’s upcoming headphones can build on their success, we could be in for a real winner. 

18 months on, and the world is ready for a new pair of noise-canceling headphones from Sony – and with CES 2020 coming up in a matter of weeks, we’re holding out for a January 2020 release date, which means the Sony WH-1000XM4 could be with us very soon indeed.

We don’t know much about the rumored headphones, but we can hazard an educated guess as to what the Sony WH-1000XM4 might bring to the table, as well as the features we want to see from the successor to the world’s best headphones. 

Cut to the chase 

• What is it? The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, the follow-up to the XM3s
• When will they be released? We don’t know for sure, but were hoping to see them at CES 2020 in early January.
• How much will they cost? That’s TBC, but at least $349 / £300 / AU$499 based on the XM3s.

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones release date

At this stage, we only have the FCC filing, which doesn’t give a firm indication of release date – however, clearing an FCC filing usually suggests that a launch is imminent. 

With CES 2020 coming up in a matter of weeks, we could see the Sony WH-1000XM4 between January 7 and January 10 in Las Vegas. 

Sony usually has a huge presence at the world’s biggest tech show, and we’ll be on the ground reporting any releases from the tech giant – whether that’s a new 8K TV, more details on the PlayStation 5, or the Sony WH-1000XM4 (but hopefully all three). 

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones price

At this stage, Sony hasn’t confirmed the existence of the WH-1000XM4, let alone the price – however, we can hazard a guess based on previous Sony headphones.

The new cans will probably be at least as expensive as the WH-1000XM3, which cost  $349 / £300 / AU$499 at launch (as did their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM2). 

Sony WH-1000XM4: what we want to see

Noise cancelation on calls

The noise cancellation offered by the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless Headphones is undoubtedly very good – the best, in fact. However, innovations in noise-canceling technology means that we could see an upgrade in the new Sony WH-1000XM4. 

The Sony WH-1000XM3 successfully fought off competition from Bose in 2019, Sony could take a leaf from its competitor’s book and apply noise-cancellation to phone calls as well as music, just like the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. 

These Bose headphones use an eight-microphone system; six of which enable traditional noise cancellation so you can hear your music uninterrupted. 

Two of these microphones are paired with two separate mics, which work…