- Sony WH-1000XX The ColleXion all however confirmed
- Noticed on Hollywood star’s head in NYC
- Appears to offer a wink and nod to earlier leaks
If there have been any doubt that Sony was cooking up one thing particular, it ought to now be dispelled. We have reported on ‘Sony WH-1000XX The ColleXion’ leaks earlier than, and now it looks like the model’s Tenth-anniversary super-premium headphones could possibly be actual.
They have not been formally introduced but, however they appear to have proven up in public, all however guaranteeing a launch is on the horizon.
Particularly, they have been seen worn by F1 star Damson Idris, in a number of pictures which have been shared by varied trend pages on X. Living proof:
Article continues beneath
Damson Idris frolicking in NYC pic.twitter.com/cPdXdoc574May 3, 2026
Over on the r/headphones Subreddit, audiophiles have been fast to notice that these aren’t a recognized pair of headphones, with a Sony emblem making it clear that these are the product of the Japanese model, however a number of design variations from the likes of the WH-1000XM6.
It appears, then, that we’re taking a look at Sony’s as-yet-unannounced premium possibility. The photographs give us a have a look at just a few key design options, together with an attention-grabbing steel headband/hinge, an audio jack, some grilles and a carry case too. Fortunately, the latter seems much more wise than the AirPods Max 2 ‘bra’ case.
Tin-foil hat time
Ostensibly, this could possibly be a easy leak. We often hear circumstances of tech testers snapped with upcoming devices in public: firms do have to let their units get real-world testing, in any case.
However you most likely do not use Hollywood stars to do mentioned testing. The truth that it was Damson Idris who was noticed with the cans, in very professional-looking pictures, makes me assume it wasn’t an enormous coincidence — after which there’s the truth that an official Sony account replied to the above X submit with the ‘eyes’ emoji, drawing consideration to the entire thing reasonably than avoiding it.
My conspiracy concept (and that of a lot of the Reddit commenters)? Sony has began sending out the WH-1000XX The ColleXion headphones to sure individuals, within the hopes that they will get pap-snapped with the cans to lift intrigue.
We have seen it earlier than, with manufacturers equivalent to Beats giving its audio merchandise to influential individuals, to tease the upcoming launch of an thrilling new machine. Even when not true, and this was only a completely satisfied coincidence for the model, Sony’s clearly leaning into it.
The rumor mill says that these headphones will likely be introduced on Might 19. Since we’re getting these ‘candid’ teases of the cans, that launch date is wanting more and more doubtless.
Thus far we have heard that these will likely be top-end cans promoting for round €629 (about $740, £550, AU$1,030), that would have superior ANC and audiophile-quality specs, however maybe a worse battery and heavier weight than Sony’s different headphones.
If the rumors are appropriate, we can’t have lengthy to go till we uncover the reality in these whispers.
The perfect noise cancelling headphones for all budgets
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our skilled information, critiques, and opinion in your feeds.