Ahead of the official launch on February 12, 2026, a French publication has revealed the key features of Sony’s WF-1000XM6 TWS earbuds. According to Dealabs, the device will feature a new QN3e chipset that is three times faster than that of the XM5s.
Along with eight adaptive microphones (beamforming + bone conduction), up from six on the previous model, the chipset should offer smarter, more responsive and more effective active noise cancellation (ANC).
A faster brain for better silence
Additionally, the model could feature an “Adaptive NC Optimizer” feature that adjusts the intensity of noise cancellation based on the user’s environment, optimizing performance in real time.
Like the XM5s, the XM6 offers three core listening modes: Noise Canceling, Ambient Sound Mode and Regular (without cancellation or passthrough). Additionally, you can expect the earbuds to offer significantly better noise cancellation, perhaps enough to rival the AirPods Pro 3.
The report also mentions a “new speaker” or audio driver that is said to deliver richer sound than the XM5s’ 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X. Sony could also equip the device with an improved digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an improved amplifier.
Sound upgrades beyond ANC
On the software side, the flagship earbuds could get DSEE Ultimate support, a more advanced upscaling technology than DSEE Extreme on the XM5s. It can improve both the sampling frequency and bit depth of compressed audio files.
Other features may include adaptive sound control, quick attention mode, background music effect and Speak to Chat. The device should also support LE Audio and Auracast.
You can also get Spatial Audio with head tracking, new audio modes, Bluetooth v5.3 (with multi-point connectivity), Hi-Res Wireless (LDAC) codec support, and a 10-band equalizer in the Headphones Connect app to customize the sound.
Sony WF-1000XM6 charges $80 over the AirPods Pro 3
As for battery life, the Sony WF-1000XM6 should last up to eight hours on a single charge (likely with ANC) and up to 24 hours with the charging case (which supports fast and wireless charging).
After their launch on February 12, 2026, the Sony WF-1000XM6 is expected to be available in the US for $329.99 in Black and Silver finishes (making it a higher price than the AirPods Pro 3).
