Sony is reportedly planning a lower-priced revival of its 2020 WH-1000XM4 flagship headphones, potentially called the WH-1000XM4C. If accurate, the move would offer buyers a more affordable noise-cancelling option as newer premium headphone prices remain high.

The leaked model is said to retain the foldable design, 40mm drivers and noise-cancelling processor, with battery life reduced to 34 hours without ANC and 27 hours with it, versus 38 and 30 hours originally. It may launch on 7 September for £220 in the UK and €250 in Europe, compared with the current WH-1000XM6’s €470 price; the report notes that discounted XM5s can already cost about $250.