Sony 1000X The ColleXion Leaks: Ultra-Premium Headphones at $729 Launching May 19

Sony is preparing to launch 1000X The ColleXion — an ultra-premium headphone tier that sits above the existing WH-1000XM6 flagship. Multiple leaks point to a May 19, 2026 launch date and a price of approximately €629 (~$729 USD), making it significantly more expensive than both the $449 WH-1000XM6 and the $549 Apple AirPods Max 2.

What We Know So Far

• Model name: Believed to be WH-1000XX, indicating a tier above the XM series
• Design: Metal hinges and premium finishing materials — reportedly non-foldable for a more rigid, luxurious feel
• Chip: Mediatek MT2855 processor with Sony's DSEE Ultimate audio processing
• ANC: Active noise cancellation with what leakers describe as a step up from the XM6's already class-leading performance
• Colors: Black at launch, with white expected later
• Availability: Global launch on May 19, 2026

A New Premium Tier, Not a Replacement

Sony filed the "1000X THE COLLEXION" trademark in June 2025, describing it as targeting "collectors and audiophiles" with more expensive materials and unique design. The WH-1000XM6 will continue as Sony's mainstream flagship — this is an additional tier above it, similar to how Apple positions the AirPods Max above the AirPods Pro.

What This Means for Buyers

At $729, the ColleXion will be the most expensive mainstream wireless headphone on the market. If you're considering the Sony WH-1000XM6 at $279 for earbuds or the Bose QC Ultra at $179, this doesn't change your calculus — the ColleXion targets a different buyer entirely. For those shopping over-ear headphones, the XM6 over-ears at $449 and AirPods Max 2 at $549 remain the value leaders. Browse all options in our headphone comparison.