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 before their expected launch tomorrow. Leaked image renders of what appears to be Sony’s 1000X “The ColleXion” Edition have been shared online by OnLeaks and HotEUDeals, showing thicker leatherette padding and “generously sized” earcups compared to Sony’s current WH-1000XM6 series.

We knew to expect these headphones after the “ColleXion” name briefly appeared on Sony’s websites in April with an over-ear headphone model number of “WH-1000XX,” but that wasn’t accompanied by any images at the time. Now, not only can we see the full headphone design and its accessories, but information shared alongside the images corroborates the May 19th launch date and pricing. It says the ColleXion will be available for $649 in the US — $200 more than the XM6 flagships at launch.

For that higher price, you’re getting a choice of black or white color options and some premium-looking design elements, including color-matched metallic yokes that attach the headband to the headphone drivers. The buttons along the earcups are also more distinct, and the microphone grilles have been redesigned from the usual mesh cavities to larger holes that appear to punch directly through the earcup chassis.

Marketing slides from the leaked launch also include key specification details. Users can expect up to 24 hours of battery life, or up to 32 hours when ANC is disabled, according to HotEUDeals. That noise cancellation is powered by a V3 co-processor, alongside the QN3 processor that’s already used in the XM6. Sony has also reportedly partnered with three studios — Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering — that have mastered Grammy-winning records to help tune the ColleXion’s bespoke audio drivers.

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