Sony's next flagship noise-canceling headphones, potentially dubbed WH-1000XM6, might be nearing launch, according to a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing. The filing, spotted by The Walkman Blog, provides a glimpse into the upcoming headphones' design, features, and specifications, sparking excitement among audio enthusiasts.

The WH-1000XM5 headphones, launched almost three years ago, have been a benchmark for wireless headphones. With the XM5s being our top pick for the best wireless headphones for most people, the anticipation for their successor is palpable. The FCC filing suggests that Sony has been working on a redesign, incorporating a new hinge and, more notably, detachable earpads.

The product diagram included in the filing reveals the earpad lifting off to expose the "user-visible name plate" containing the model and serial numbers. This design change is significant, as it indicates that the earpad might be attached without screws, possibly using clips, magnets, or another mechanism. In contrast, the XM5s hid their FCC details under the inner edge of the non-removable pads.

Beyond the detachable earpads, the filing discloses that the headphones will feature Bluetooth 5.3, a slight upgrade from the XM5s' Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, the document provides details on the antenna and power specifications, although these do not offer significant insights into the headphones' overall design or sound quality.

While the FCC filing does not explicitly name the headphones as the WH-1000XM6, the model number YY2984 bears a striking resemblance to the XM5s' YY2954 designation. The only caveat is that the tested model is marked as a prototype, implying that some specifications might change before the final release.

The FCC filing includes a "short-term confidentiality" request dated to end on July 22nd, 2025, hinting at an official reveal before that date. Given the XM5s launched in May 2022, it is possible that Sony will follow a similar spring release schedule for the WH-1000XM6.

As the audio industry eagerly awaits the launch of Sony's next-generation noise-canceling headphones, the prospect of detachable earpads and Bluetooth 5.3 has sparked excitement. While the exact launch date and final specifications remain unknown, the FCC filing provides a tantalizing glimpse into what could be a game-changing audio experience.

Stay tuned for further updates on the WH-1000XM6 as more information becomes available.