Leaked images reveal Sony’s 10th anniversary ‘ColleXion’ headphones

We now have a good idea of ​​what Sony’s upcoming 10th anniversary headphones will look like ahead of their expected launch tomorrow. Leaked images of what appears to be Sony’s “The ColleXion” 1000X Edition have been shared online by On leaks and EU Hot Dealsshowcasing thicker leather padding and “oversized” earcups compared to the current Sony WH-1000XM6 Series.

We knew to expect these headphones after the name “ColleXion”. It appeared briefly on Sony’s websites in April with the headphone model number “WH-1000XX”, but that was not accompanied by any photos at the time. Now, not only can we see the full design of the headphones and their accessories, but the information shared along with the images confirms the launch date and price on May 19. It says the ColleXion will be available for $649 in the US – $200 more than the flagship XM6 phones at launch.

For that higher price, you’ll get a choice of black or white color options and some premium-looking design elements, including color-matched metal links that connect the headband to the headphone drivers. The buttons along the earcups have also become more visible, and the microphone grilles have been redesigned from the usual mesh recesses to larger openings that appear to punch directly through the structure of the earcup.

The marketing slides from the leaked launch also include details of key specifications. Users can expect up to 24 hours of battery life, or up to 32 hours when ANC is disabled, according to EU Hot Deals. Noise cancellation is powered by a V3 coprocessor, along with the QN3 processor already used in the XM6. Sony has also reportedly partnered with three studios — Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering — that have mastered Grammy Award-winning recordings to help fine-tune ColleXion’s custom audio drivers.

The launch includes a carrying case to store the headphones, which contains a USB-C cable for charging and a 3.5mm cable for wired playback. A notable departure from Sony’s previous designs, this case looks more like a handbag, featuring a built-in handle and magnetic closure instead of the usual zipper. At least it doesn’t look like a bra (I’m looking at you, Apple AirPods Max headphones.)