Sony WF-1000XM6 Design Revealed in Comparison Photos Ahead of Official Launch

Sony's next-generation WF-1000XM6 wireless earbuds have been revealed in comparison photos ahead of their official global launch tomorrow, showing a noticeably larger design than the current WF-1000XM5 model.

The Walkman Blog has published side-by-side images comparing Sony's recent WF-1000X earbud releases, revealing that while the WF-1000XM5 remains the smallest of the three, the upcoming WF-1000XM6 takes a different approach with increased dimensions.

According to the comparison images, the WF-1000XM6 will be taller than the outgoing WF-1000XM5 and noticeably thicker than the WF-1000XM4. This design change suggests the new earbuds will protrude more from the ear compared to their predecessors.

While the WF-1000XM5 was praised for its compact form factor, the WF-1000XM6 appears to prioritize other aspects of the design. The increased size could potentially accommodate larger drivers, bigger batteries, or additional hardware components, though Sony has not yet confirmed any specific technical improvements.

Sony is set to unveil the WF-1000XM6 alongside the WH-1000XM6 headphones at 16:00 UTC on February 12. Unlike the WH-1000XM6, which recent leaks suggest will be primarily a visual refresh rather than a hardware upgrade, the WF-1000XM6 appears to be a more substantial update based on its redesigned form factor.

Pricing expectations place the WF-1000XM6 at $329.99 in the US and €299.99 in the Eurozone, positioning it as a premium offering in Sony's wireless earbud lineup. The earbuds are expected to go on sale shortly after the official announcement.

The design changes raise questions about comfort and ergonomics, particularly for users who appreciated the compact nature of the WF-1000XM5. However, the larger size may also bring improvements in battery life, sound quality, or active noise cancellation performance.

Sony's timing for the launch is notable, as it comes just before Mobile World Congress 2026, where many competitors typically showcase their latest audio products. The company appears to be positioning the WF-1000XM6 as a flagship offering that will compete with other premium wireless earbuds launching throughout the year.

As with previous Sony audio product launches, the company is expected to provide detailed specifications, feature breakdowns, and hands-on demonstrations during the official event. Audio enthusiasts and current WF-1000XM5 owners will be particularly interested in how the design changes translate to real-world performance and whether the larger form factor delivers tangible benefits that justify the upgrade.