Vidita Chandra | 2 May 2025 07:05 PM
It’s been three years since Sony dropped the WH-1000XM5—noise-cancelling royalty in the world of over-ears. But the reign might soon be handed over. Whispers from FCC filings, data mine nuggets, and the ever-spinning rumour mill point towards a fresh contender stepping up – the Sony WH-1000XM6.
ALSO SEE: Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Spotted first by Walkman Blog, Sony’s next-gen noise-cancellers have made their way through the FCC, under the model number AK8YY2984. The “AK8” is the standard grantee code, while the rest points to the product itself. Labelled as a Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, it’s a pretty clear nod that we’re looking at the WH-1000XM6—or whatever Sony decides to call the follow-up to its over-ear cans. It’s also flagged as being manufactured in Malaysia.
Another curious detail is that the filing includes a sketch of the right earcup, showing how the earpad lifts away to reveal a concealed nameplate with model and serial numbers underneath. A small tweak, sure—but it hints at Sony tightening the seams, possibly refining the build without shouting about it.
Because the FCC mandates that the nameplate must be user-accessible, it’s likely the ear pad pops off without any screws this time—possibly using clips, magnets, or some clever new mechanism.
That’s a shift from the XM5s, which tucked their FCC markings under the inner pad edge.
This specific model number also showed up in an official FCC document, and while Sony hasn’t confirmed anything just yet, experts are pretty confident we’re looking at the incoming WH-1000XM6.
The filing also reveals a few spec hints – support for fast charging with 5V and 9V ratings, the same 3.8V battery as the XM5s (though it could pack a bigger capacity this time), and an upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 (BR/EDR/LE) for improved wireless performance.
And, there’s a little clue on timing too—a short-term confidentiality request that runs out on July 22, 2025. That means Sony’s likely to go official well before then. Given that the XM5s launched in May 2022, a spring release window for the XM6s seems right on schedule.