Sony will launch a new premium headphone called “1000X The ColleXion” in 2026. This product is made to celebrate 10 years of Sony’s 1000X series, which started with the MDR-1000X in 2016. The ColleXion will not replace the WH-1000XM6.
It will be a level above it and made for collectors. Early listings on Sony’s Australia and New Zealand websites showed the model number WH-1000XX and the tagline “Master the art of listening”. The pages were removed later.
Leaked images show the headphones in black and white colors. The build uses more premium materials than the WH-1000XM6. It has metal hinges instead of plastic hinges. This fixes a problem some XM6 users had with broken hinges. The build also uses synthetic leather and hand-polished metal parts. A magnetic carry case with a handle comes with it. The headphones are made in Vietnam and they do not fold.
Also Read: India Smartphone Shipments Drop 4.1% in Q1 2026 Amid Low Demand and RAM Crunch
For sound and features, The ColleXion is expected to use a MediaTek MT2855 chip with Sony’s own chip, maybe the QN3. It will have DSEE Ultimate for better audio and support for 360 Reality Audio with head tracking. For noise cancellation, it uses 12 microphones with Adaptive NC Optimizer.
For calls, it has six microphones with AI noise reduction and a mute button. Sony gives three modes for music, movies, and gaming with 360 Upmix. It has a 10-band equalizer that you can change in the Sony Sound Connect app.
Other features are Adaptive Sound Controller, Ambient Sound mode, Quick Attention, multipoint connection, and Speak-to-Chat. The battery lasts up to 24 hours when noise canceling is on. A 5-minute charge gives 90 minutes of play time.
Also Read: Sony Bravia 3II Launched in India: 4K 120Hz TVs Starting Rs 99,990 with XR Processor
The price of The ColleXion is higher than the WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max. In Europe the price is EUR 629, which is about Rs 67,600. In the US the price is $649, in the UK it is £549, and in Canada it is $849. This is about 40% more than the WH-1000XM6, which launched at $459 in the US and EUR 449 in Europe. The high price shows this is a luxury model.
Sony has not given an official release date yet. Reports had suggested a May 19, 2026 launch, but Sony has not confirmed it. The headphones were recently seen on actor Damson Idris. Sony may also launch a new Sandstone color for the WH-1000XM6 at the same time. The ColleXion will be sold through Sony stores, big electronics shops, and online sites at launch.