Sony accidentally revealed details of its upcoming 10th anniversary headphones through listings on its Australian and New Zealand websites.
The product, named “1000X The Collexion” with model number WH-1000XX, appeared briefly before being removed. The listings included an alt-text description showing a man wearing white headphones against a brown gradient background.
This leak confirms the device will launch on May 19 at a price of €629, equivalent to approximately $740 or £550. This represents a significant increase over the current WH-1000XM6, which launched at $450.
The naming convention appears intentional, with the extra “X” in WH-1000XX symbolizing the 10th anniversary of the original MDR-1000X released in 2016. Sony has tagged the product with the phrase “Master the art of listening.”
Multiple sources confirm the headphones will be available in black and white colorways, feature active noise cancellation, and include the MediaTek MT2855 chipset. Audio enhancement will be handled by Sony’s DSEE Ultimate technology.
Design details suggest a non-foldable structure with metal hinges, marking a departure from previous foldable models in the series. Build quality is described as premium, incorporating metal and synthetic leather materials.
Manufacturing is expected to capture place in Vietnam, consistent with recent production patterns for Sony’s audio hardware. The leak originated from a trademark filing last summer for the name “1000X The Collexion.”
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Industry analysts note the price point positions this model beyond a typical special edition, suggesting it may serve as a new flagship offering rather than a limited-run commemorative item.
Despite the detailed specifications emerging from the leak, no official images of the headphones have been released, and Sony has not confirmed any details publicly.
Retailers and consumers are awaiting official confirmation ahead of the May 19 launch date, when Sony is expected to clarify whether this release represents a one-time anniversary edition or the start of a new product line.
What evidence confirms the May 19 launch date for the WH-1000XX?
Multiple sources, including Dealabs and the original leak from Sony’s regional websites, cite May 19 as the launch date for the WH-1000XX headphones at a price of €629.
How does the WH-1000XX differ from the current WH-1000XM6 in design?
The WH-1000XX features a non-foldable design with metal hinges, unlike the foldable mechanism found on the WH-1000XM6, and uses premium materials including metal and synthetic leather.
Is the WH-1000XX expected to offer better sound quality than the WH-1000XM6?
According to a Reddit user citing tester feedback, the WH-1000XX brings no major sound improvements over the WH-1000XM5, suggesting similar audio performance to the current XM6 model.
Why does the model number WH-1000XX signify a 10th anniversary edition?
The original MDR-1000X launched in 2016, making 2026 the 10th anniversary; the additional “X” in WH-1000XX is interpreted as a Roman numeral reference to 10.