- Sony WF 1000XM6 preorders are rumored to open on February 12
- General availability could begin on February 23
- US pricing is expected to rise to $329.99
- European pricing may drop slightly compared to the XM5
After nearly two years at the top of Sony’s true wireless lineup, the WF 1000XM5 appears ready to hand over the spotlight. Fresh leaks indicate that its successor, the Sony WF 1000XM6, could arrive much sooner than expected, complete with early pricing details and a surprisingly precise release window.
The WF 1000XM5 launched in July 2023 and quickly became one of the strongest noise cancelling earbuds on the market. Since then, Sony has been uncharacteristically quiet about its next move.
That silence may finally be breaking, as multiple signals now point to February as the month Sony unveils its next flagship earbuds.
Reported preorder and release timeline
According to new information circulating from European retail sources, Sony is preparing to open preorders for the WF 1000XM6 on Thursday, February 12. If accurate, shipping and general availability would follow shortly after, beginning Monday, February 23.
That timeline lines up neatly with earlier hints that appeared toward the end of 2025. Spare part listings for the earbuds surfaced at that time, listing February shipping dates and confirming at least two color options, black and silver.
Those listings often appear only when hardware is close to mass production, making them a reliable early indicator.
Further strengthening the case, the earbuds have reportedly passed through regulatory approvals in the United States.
These filings are typically completed just weeks before a product is announced, suggesting Sony is in the final stages of launch preparation rather than early development.
Pricing points to a premium push in the US
Perhaps the most eye catching detail in the leak is the predicted price. In the United States, the Sony WF 1000XM6 is expected to launch at $329.99. That would represent a $30 increase over the WF 1000XM5, which debuted at $299.99.
Sony has historically pushed its flagship earbuds slightly higher with each generation, but a jump above the $300 mark puts the XM6 firmly into ultra premium territory.
This may reflect rising component costs, upgraded internals, or a strategic decision to further separate Sony’s top tier earbuds from its midrange offerings.
Interestingly, the situation in Europe appears different. The same report suggests that European pricing could actually drop by €20 compared to the previous model, bringing the expected cost to €299.99.
That kind of regional pricing divergence is not unusual, but it does raise questions about Sony’s broader market strategy and currency considerations.
Final pricing may still vary by region, and Sony has not officially confirmed any numbers. Still, the consistency of the reported figures adds weight to the leak.
What upgrades are expected from the WF 1000XM6
Despite the growing clarity around timing and pricing, details about features remain limited. Sony has managed to keep most of the technical changes under wraps, though expectations are naturally high.
Noise cancellation is the headline feature to watch. The WF 1000XM5 already set a high bar, but competitors have continued to close the gap. A new processor or improved microphone array could help Sony extend its lead once again.
Battery life is another area where users will be hoping for progress. While the XM5 offered solid endurance, longer listening times and faster charging would be welcome, especially at a higher price point.
There is also hope for broader color options and subtle design refinements. Sony tends to favor evolution rather than radical redesign, so any changes are likely to be incremental but purposeful.
If the February timeline holds, Sony may begin teasing the earbuds well before preorder day. That could mean official specs, marketing images, or feature highlights appearing in the coming weeks, alongside the inevitable additional leaks.
For now, all signs suggest the wait for Sony’s next flagship wireless earbuds is nearly over.
Follow TechBSB For More Updates
