Sony has launched the WH-1000XM4C, a modernised version of its popular wireless headphones featuring a removable battery to comply with European rules, while also expanding its headphone range across all price points with new models and features.
Sony has brought back one of its most recognisable wireless headphones in updated form, launching the WH-1000XM4C as a compliant successor to the widely sold WH-1000XM4. The new model keeps the familiar folding design and core noise-cancelling hardware, but Sony has retuned the sound for clearer vocals and firmer bass, while also adding a 10-band equaliser and app-based playback shortcuts. It arrives in black, silver and a new lavender finish, with pricing set at £219, $299.99 or AU$449.95.
The refresh is tied to tougher European battery rules, which now require user-replaceable batteries in headphones sold in the bloc. According to What Hi-Fi?, the XM4C includes a removable battery to meet those requirements, and Sony’s move may also hasten the retirement of the WH-1000XM5 in Europe, even though that model remains on sale for now. That makes the new XM4C a pragmatic, rather than purely cosmetic, update.
Sony is also widening its lower-priced range. The WH-CH730N replaces the WH-CH720N with a foldable design, larger ear cups, longer battery life and improved call handling, while retaining features such as DSEE upscaling, 360 Reality Audio support, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio and Auracast readiness. Sony says it will cost £100, €120 or $179.99 and arrive in several colours from September 2026.
At the entry level, the WH-CH530N takes over from the WH-CH520N with up to 55 hours of battery life with noise cancelling enabled, plus multipoint pairing, AI-assisted calls, LE Audio support and a stepped volume limit for hearing protection. Sony has priced it at £50, €60 or $69.99. Taken together, the launches show a broad reset of Sony’s headphone line, from premium legacy products adapted for regulation to budget models aimed at keeping its range competitive across every price band.
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