Ahead of the official launch on February 12, 2026, a French publication has leaked the key features of Sony’s WF-1000XM6 TWS earbuds. Per Dealabs, the device will feature a new QN3e chipset that is three times faster than the one on the XM5s.
Along with eight adaptive microphones (beamforming + bone conduction), up from six on the outgoing model, the chipset should offer smarter, more responsive, and effective active noise cancellation (ANC).
A faster brain for better silence
Further, the model could get an “Adaptive NC Optimizer” feature that adjusts the noise-cancellation intensity based on the user’s environment, optimizing the performance in real time.
Like the XM5s, the XM6 will offer three core listening modes: Noise Cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode, and regular (with no cancellation or passthrough). Moreover, expect the earbuds to offer noticeably better noise cancellation, perhaps enough to be on par with the AirPods Pro 3.
The report also mentions a “new speaker” or audio driver that should deliver richer audio than the 8.4mm Dynamic Driver X on the XM5s. Sony could also equip the device with an upgraded Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and an enhanced 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 sample rate frequency and the bit depth of compressed audio files.
Additional 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 could also get Spatial Audio with Head Tracking, new audio modes, Bluetooth v5.3 (with multi-point connectivity), support for Hi-Res Wireless (LDAC) codec, and a 10-band equalizer within the Headphones Connect app to customize the sound.
Sony WF-1000XM6 to demand $80 over the AirPods Pro 3
Regarding 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).
Post their launch on February 12, 2026, the Sony WF-1000XM6 are expected to be available in the United States for $329.99, in Black and Silver finishes (commanding a more premium price tag than the AirPods Pro 3).