Sony Released WH-1000XM4C Headphones with Removable Battery
The refreshed model meets European battery standards, sacrificing three hours of playback for a modular design.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
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Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C wireless headphones, a revised version of its legacy hardware engineered to comply with European Union battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The headphones feature a user-removable battery design, marking a shift in physical architecture for the series.
Why it matters
This release reflects the growing influence of European right-to-repair mandates on global consumer electronics design. By re-engineering the battery module now, Sony establishes a compliance baseline for its product lineup ahead of upcoming regulatory enforcement.
The WH-1000XM4C offers 27 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, a reduction from the 30-hour performance of its predecessor. The unit is one gram lighter than the original WH-1000XM4 and integrates the existing HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1.
The players
Sony
A multinational conglomerate specializing in image sensors, gaming hardware, and premium personal audio products.
The details
The headphones incorporate a removable battery module designed to meet European Union requirements for consumer electronics waste and sustainability. To maintain audio performance, the device continues to use 40mm drivers and utilizes test tones to perform auto-calibration of its noise-cancelling algorithms. While the system supports Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC—a high-bitrate audio codec developed by Sony—it explicitly lacks support for aptX and aptX HD standards.
Timeline
May 2026: Sony launched the 1000X The Collexion headphones.
October 5, 2026: The WH-1000XM4C model review was published.
February 2027: EU battery regulation (EU) 2023/1542 comes into force.
The Tech Race
The move anticipates the 2027 enforcement of strict European environmental mandates that are reshaping consumer electronics hardware lifecycles. It follows a industry-wide trend where manufacturers must prioritize modularity in battery design to maintain market access across the European Union.
The WH-1000XM4C is currently available for purchase at £219, $300, or AU$450 in three colorways. Users gain the benefit of a removable power cell, though they should note the reduced 27-hour playback time compared to the previous iteration.
The takeaway
Sony is transitioning its premium audio portfolio to meet global regulatory standards for repairability and battery waste. Observers should track the scheduled phase-out of the WH-1000XM5 model in February 2025 as the company finalizes its next-generation audio lineup.
Further reading
For broader trends in hardware design, see the Consumer Electronics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by What Hi-Fi?.
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