AI News Feed
Market watch
iOS 27 adds Visual Intelligence bill splitting and Wallet pass scanningOne UI 9's Call Brief now shows the other party's local time during international callsFDA Grants Emergency Authorization for Mitochondrial Transplant in Billionaire Ackman's DaughterGoogle Store Trade-In Credits Beat Rivals for Older Phones, Engadget SaysLabor Day Tech Deals: Dell XPS 13 from $599, Gaming Laptops Up to $800 Off, Geekom A5 Mini PC at $419Security leaders told: test cyber confidence, stop buying isolated tools
iOS 27 adds Visual Intelligence bill splitting and Wallet pass scanningOne UI 9's Call Brief now shows the other party's local time during international callsFDA Grants Emergency Authorization for Mitochondrial Transplant in Billionaire Ackman's DaughterGoogle Store Trade-In Credits Beat Rivals for Older Phones, Engadget SaysLabor Day Tech Deals: Dell XPS 13 from $599, Gaming Laptops Up to $800 Off, Geekom A5 Mini PC at $419Security leaders told: test cyber confidence, stop buying isolated tools
Companies

Sony revives its legendary WH-1000XM4 as an updated $300 model, alongside new budget headphones

Sony brings back its acclaimed WH-1000XM4 as the $300 WH-1000XM4C with updated sound and replaceable batteries, and launches two new budget-friendly CH-series headphones.

AI News Feed · 2026-09-08 01:55

The WH-1000XM4C retains the classic XM4 design, including the same folding hinges, 40mm drivers and QN1-powered active noise cancellation. But Sony has adjusted the sound tuning to offer “richer, clearer vocals” and “tighter bass definition,” and added a 10-band equalizer, a gaming EQ preset and Quick Access for jumping into music apps on the headphones. It also upgrades to Bluetooth 6. New colors include a Lavender version alongside black and Platinum Silver.

The revival comes after the original XM4 was discontinued in 2025. Sony says it has sold more than 10 million pairs since the model launched in 2020. To keep the beloved model on sale, Sony had to adapt it for European regulations on replaceable batteries, which will allow users to swap out the power source after the headphones' useful life. The change shaves battery life from 30 hours to 27 hours with ANC switched on, though a three-minute charge now provides an hour of playback. Sony hasn't yet said how much a replacement battery will cost.

The WH-1000XM4C is being positioned as a mid-range alternative above the cheaper CH series and below the current flagship WH-1000XM6. It costs $300 in the US, €250 in Europe or £219 in the UK, and will be available later this fall.

The new midrange WH-CH730N replaces the WH-CH720N and brings a redesigned, more compact folding design, revised ear cups and improved ANC. Sony says the new model lets in about 10 percent less noise, upgrades call quality with AI-based reduction, and adds background music mode plus safe-listening tools. Its 10-band EQ and gaming EQ are also included. Battery life climbs to 50 hours with ANC on and 75 hours without, up from 35 hours with ANC on the older model. It costs $180 and starts shipping in September in black, blue, oat, white and pink.

The budget WH-CH530 is a follow-up to the WH-CH520 with a new look, improved sound, the same EQ options and AI-enhanced calling. It has no ANC, but battery life goes from 50 to 55 hours. Like the CH730N, it includes a safe-listening mode that lets users set a volume cap and monitor usage. The WH-CH530 costs $70 and is also available now with more color choices: black, cobalt, mint green, white, pink and coral.

Sony's latest battery-replaceable XM4C represents a rare example of a discontinued flagship being revived for a lower price in a new regulatory landscape, while the two CH models continue Sony's push to pack modern features into more affordable frames.