Key Takeaways
1. The Sony WH-1000XM6 features 12 microphones, enhancing noise-cancelling capabilities but maintains the same battery life as the WH-1000XM5 at 30 hours.
2. The battery size has been reduced by 12.5%, from 4.56 Wh in the XM5 to 3.99 Wh in the XM6.
3. The design improvements include replacing adhesive tape with screws for better assembly and easier access to high-wear components.
4. The WH-1000XM6 is more repairable than its predecessor, but users cannot currently replace internal components due to the lack of available spare parts.
5. Sony has not released a repair manual or replacement parts for the WH-1000XM6 or its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 (currently priced at $448 on Amazon) has been available for a few weeks now, having made its official entrance on May 15. This gave iFixit the chance to examine Sony’s newest over-ear wireless headphones and uncover their inner workings.
Microphone and Noise Cancelling Features
As anticipated, Sony has added four more microphones, bringing the total to twelve in the WH-1000XM6. While the company has enhanced noise-cancelling capabilities from previous models, the same cannot be said for battery life. Officially, the WH-1000XM6 is rated for 30 hours of use, which is the same as the WH-1000XM5, even though it features the new Processor QN3 technology. The reason for this seems to be that Sony has opted for a battery that is 12.5% smaller, decreasing from 4.56 Wh in the XM5 to 3.99 Wh in the XM6.
Improvements in Design
On the bright side, there are some commendable hardware upgrades between the two versions. For instance, Sony has swapped out the adhesive tape that secured the battery in the XM5s for two screws and a compact housing. Moreover, only five screws are used for each ear cup, which are also held in place by clips. Additionally, high-wear parts such as the 3.5 mm jack and USB Type-C cable are placed on modular boards, making them easier to access.
Repairability Concerns
In summary, the WH-1000XM6 is designed to be more repairable compared to its predecessor. However, users currently cannot replace any components inside these latest headphones if they happen to fail or break. At this time, Sony has not released a repair manual or begun selling replacement parts. To make matters worse, the WH-1000XM5 never saw the release of spare parts, even though a repair manual was listed by Sony. For more details, check out the video from iFixit below and our launch article on the WH-1000XM6.
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