Sony is reportedly preparing a lower-cost refresh of its 2020 WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-cancelling headphones, potentially launching in early September. The move could give buyers access to much of Sony’s established premium headphone technology at a lower price, while appealing to fans of the older model’s folding design.

Leaks suggest the WH-1000XM4C will cost €249.99 or £219.99 and be sold in black, silver and lavender. It is expected to retain ANC using Sony’s QN1 chip, spatial and hi-res audio, and touch controls, but offer shorter battery life: up to 34 hours normally or 27 hours with noise cancelling, compared with 38 and 30 hours respectively for the original.