Sony WH-1000XM6 Gets Sand Pink Refresh Nearly a Year After Launch

Sony has addressed a notable gap in its WH-1000XM6 color lineup by introducing a new Sand Pink finish, nearly a year after the flagship over-ear headphones initially launched. The new colorway arrives almost exactly one year after the headphones debuted in Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver finishes in May 2025.

Addressing the Color Gap

The Sand Pink variant represents Sony's effort to match the color diversity offered with its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5. When the XM5 launched, Sony eventually offered it in a Smoky Pink finish in September 2024. However, the WH-1000XM6 initially launched without any pink option, creating an imbalance between the two generations of Sony's flagship noise-canceling headphones.

Sand Pink vs. Smoky Pink

The new Sand Pink finish features a notably deeper and more intense pink hue compared to the Smoky Pink variant available for the WH-1000XM5. Sony has strategically positioned this new color as "Sand Pink" rather than simply "Pink" to differentiate it from more vibrant pink options like those found on the WH-CH520 or WH-CH720N models. This naming choice suggests Sony aims to maintain a premium, sophisticated aesthetic while still offering a distinctive color option.

Pricing and Availability

The Sand Pink WH-1000XM6 is available for order starting February 12, 2026, globally. Pricing remains consistent with the existing color options:

• UK: £399
• Eurozone: €369
• US: $399.99

Customers can purchase the new colorway directly from Sony or through third-party retailers such as Amazon in the United States.

Technical Specifications Unchanged

Importantly, the Sand Pink finish is functionally identical to the Black, Midnight Blue, and Platinum Silver versions. The headphones retain all the same features that made the WH-1000XM6 a flagship model:

• Industry-leading noise cancellation technology
• High-resolution audio support
• Touch controls on earcups
• Speak-to-Chat functionality
• Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
• Up to 30 hours of battery life
• Quick charging (3 minutes for 3 hours of playback)

Market Context

The color refresh comes at a time when Sony faces increasing competition in the premium headphone market. Competitors like Bose, Sennheiser, and Apple continue to push innovation in active noise cancellation and wireless audio quality. By expanding color options, Sony aims to maintain the WH-1000XM series' appeal to fashion-conscious consumers who view headphones as both audio devices and style accessories.

The nearly year-long gap between the initial launch and this color addition suggests Sony may be planning a more substantial WH-1000XM7 refresh in the coming months, following its typical product cycle pattern.