Sony releases updated WH‑1000XM4C headphones with same design and new color

Sony has reintroduced its flagship WH‑1000XM4 headphones under the new model name WH‑1000XM4C, offering the same compact, fold‑able design that earned the original a spot atop best‑headphone lists since its 2020 debut. The refreshed version arrives with minor upgrades and an additional lavender color option, while retaining the familiar hinge and overall aesthetic that distinguished the XM4 from later models such as the larger‑bodied XM5 released in 2022. The move follows a period of scarcity that left the popular headphones out of stock, prompting renewed demand among consumers who value the combination of high‑fidelity sound, competitive active noise cancellation, and portable form factor.

The WH‑1000XM4C re‑entry comes amid ongoing competition in the premium noise‑cancelling market, where Sony and Bose have historically vied for leadership with successive product improvements. By reviving the XM4 platform with only incremental enhancements, Sony appears to be addressing the lingering appetite for its earlier design while leveraging the brand’s established reputation for audio performance. The re‑launch is expected to reinforce Sony’s presence in the segment and provide consumers with a familiar, well‑reviewed option as the market continues to evolve.