Sony’s latest noise-cancelling headphones have been leaked. Images of the 10th anniversary models, called 1000X “The Collexion”, were shared online today by On leaks. They are expected to launch tomorrow, just a year after the company’s WH-1000XM6 series. From what we can see based on the leaked materials, the changes are largely design-based. The new cans have thicker leatherette padding than their predecessors, as well as larger earcups, while the buttons are more separated and the microphone grills provide more breathing room. But it’s the stems of the headband that stand out. Depending on color choice, they are gloss black or chrome on white. The touch control surface has also been moved to the side and back of each cup. The biggest difference, however, is a more robust design. Durability has reportedly been a recurring complaint with the XM6s, so Sony reinforced the stems by making them a single piece of polished metal rather than a fork. A purse-style carrying case comes along for the ride, as does a headphone cable, but a USB-C charging cable may not be included (leaked materials are conflicting on this point). Battery life on a single charge seems about comparable to the XM6, with up to 24 hours of playback with acoustic noise cancellation enabled and 32 hours with ANC disabled. There’s also a five-minute quick charge feature that gives you 1.5 hours of battery life. Sony says it has partnered with three world-class mastering studios for driver tuning, including Battery Studios, Sterling Sound and Coast Mastering. The new earbuds will be available on Tuesday for $649 in the US, $200 more than the price of the XM6 earbuds at launch, suggesting they are being marketed as a luxury product. That’s just a small step up from the category occupied by Apple’s $549 AirPods Max, which received a refresh earlier this year with an H2 chip. (Via HotEUDeals.)
