Sony has officially introduced the WH-1000XM4C, or M4 2nd Gen, six years after the original XM4 debuted. Rather than replacing the premium XM6, Sony is bringing back the familiar foldable design with selected 2026 upgrades. The headphone keeps the 1000X series noise cancellation but adds Bluetooth 6, a 10 band equaliser and a gaming preset. For Indian buyers, the biggest question now is pricing: the older XM4 is already selling around ₹23,000, making the XM4C's eventual India price crucial.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Price and Launch in India
Sony has announced the XM4C globally, but Indian pricing and availability have not yet been officially confirmed.
- Global launch price: $299.99
- European pricing: around €249
- Expected India pricing could sit around the ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 bracket if Sony follows current international pricing, but this is not confirmed.
- The original XM4 is currently listed around ₹22,990 to ₹24,990 in India.
- Available colours include Black and Platinum Silver, with Lavender as a new option.
This makes the India launch particularly interesting: Sony will need to price the XM4C carefully because discounted XM4 units are already competing below ₹25,000.
What Does the XM4C Bring in 2026?
The biggest changes are not visible from the outside. Sony has retained the familiar foldable body and 1000X noise-cancellation platform, while updating the wireless and audio experience.
- Bluetooth 6 replaces Bluetooth 5.0.
- A new 10-band EQ gives users more control than the original's five-band adjustment.
- A dedicated Gaming EQ adds a gaming-focused sound profile.
- Sound tuning has been refreshed for Sony's current audio preferences.
- Multipoint connectivity, Fast Pair, Swift Pair and LE Audio support are included.
- Battery life reaches 27 hours with ANC enabled.
Familiar XM4 Body, But One Battery Trade-Off
Sony has deliberately kept the design that made the original XM4 popular. The headphones remain foldable and weigh around 253 grams, making them practical for flights, office use and daily commuting.
However, battery life is slightly lower than before. The original XM4 was rated for up to 30 hours with ANC, while the XM4C is rated for 27 hours. A three-minute charge can provide about an hour of playback.
The Bigger Story for Indian Buyers
The interesting part of this launch is Sony's product positioning, not simply the new Bluetooth version.
The company is effectively creating a middle option between discounted older XM4 units and the newer, more expensive XM6. That could make the XM4C particularly relevant in India, where the original XM4 has remained available at considerably lower prices.
If Sony India launches the XM4C close to the current XM4's price, the older model could quickly lose its value proposition. But if the company prices it substantially higher, Indian buyers may have a difficult decision between a discounted XM4, the refreshed XM4C and Sony's flagship XM6.
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Faq's
What does the 'C' in Sony WH-1000XM4C stand for?
The “C” appears to denote the refreshed M4 2nd Gen version, rather than a specific colour or regional variant. Sony positions it as an updated take on the original XM4.
How significant is Bluetooth 6 for everyday audio and gaming?
Bluetooth 6 brings newer connectivity improvements, but the everyday difference may be modest; gaming benefits depend heavily on the device, codec and actual latency rather than Bluetooth version alone.
Is the sound quality noticeably different with the new tuning?
Yes, Sony has retuned the XM4C and added a 10-band EQ, giving users finer control; the difference should be more noticeable when comparing customised profiles or different music genres.