Sony debuts new WH-1000XM6 colourway, noise-cancelling buds

Sony has unveiled the WF-1000XM6, a new set of truly wireless noise-cancelling earbuds, and added a Sand Pink colour option to its WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones range in Australia.

The WF-1000XM6 will go on sale in Australia in Black and Platinum Silver. The Sand Pink WH-1000XM6 is also due to arrive the same month. Recommended pricing is AUD $499.95 for the WF-1000XM6 and AUD $699.95 for the WH-1000XM6.

Noise cancelling focus

Sony is positioning the WF-1000XM6 around an updated approach to noise reduction, claiming a 25% reduction in noise compared with the earlier WF-1000XM5.

It uses Sony's HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e alongside the Integrated Processor V2. An Adaptive Noise Cancelling Optimiser analyses external noise and wearing conditions in real time, and the microphone count has increased to four per earbud, up from three on the previous model.

The WF-1000XM6 also ships with Noise Isolation Earbud Tips in four sizes, designed to balance comfort with noise blocking.

Calls and connectivity

Call quality is another headline change. Sony says the WF-1000XM6 uses two microphones and a bone conduction sensor on each side, along with AI beamforming and AI noise reduction, to better isolate voices from background noise.

Connectivity has also been updated, with an antenna that is 1.5 times larger than the previous model. Sony says this improves Bluetooth performance in a wider range of environments.

The WF-1000XM6 also supports LE Audio readiness. Sony links the next-generation Bluetooth audio approach to ultra-low latency for gaming.

Sound tuning

Sony says the WF-1000XM6 uses two processors working together and an updated DAC amplifier driven by the QN3e processor. It also says the Integrated Processor V2 supports 32-bit processing, up from 24-bit on the earlier model.

The earbuds include a newly developed driver unit. Sony says the diaphragm combines different materials for the dome and edge, which it links to deeper bass, extended high frequencies and reduced distortion.

Other listed audio features include Hi-Res Audio Wireless, DSEE Extreme and 360 Reality Audio compatibility. The Sony | Sound Connect app adds a 10-band equaliser, plus head tracking and a Background Music Effect feature.

Sony says it worked with a group of Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated engineers during development, including Randy Merrill and Chris Gehringer of Sterling Sound, Mike Piacentini of Battery Studios, and Michael Romanowski of Coast Mastering.

Fit and everyday use

Sony has revised the physical design of the earbuds, saying the WF-1000XM6 body is about 11% slimmer than its predecessor and shaped to follow the natural curves of the inner ear.

A new ventilation structure increases airflow inside the device, which Sony says reduces internal noises such as footsteps and chewing.

Battery life is rated at up to eight hours of listening on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case. The earbuds also support Qi wireless charging.

The WF-1000XM6 works with Google's Gemini assistant. Sony says users can access Gemini hands-free with voice activation, and it also points to Gemini Live for conversational interactions.

Materials and packaging

Sony says around 25% circular material is used in the plastics for the WF-1000XM6, and that the packaging is plastic-free.

New headphone colour

Alongside the earbud launch, Sony has introduced Sand Pink as a new finish for the WH-1000XM6 over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. It frames the colour addition around headphones being used as an accessory as well as an audio product.

"People are choosing headphones not only for listening to music, but also as an accessory that will blend seamlessly with their outfits. This has inspired Sony to introduce a Sand Pink version of its much-loved WH-1000XM6 overhead wireless noise cancelling headphones."

The Sand Pink version joins Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue in the WH-1000XM6 range. Sony has not announced any other changes to the WH-1000XM6 for Australia beyond the new colour option.