Sony looks set to push the boundaries of premium audio pricing, with leaks suggesting its upcoming wireless over-ear headphones may cost more than Apple’s AirPods Max.

According to multiple reports, the Japanese tech giant is preparing to launch a new model dubbed ‘The ColleXion’, positioned above its current flagship WH-1000XM6 (pictured).

The headphones are tipped to retail for around €629 (roughly A$1,050), putting them well beyond Sony’s existing premium lineup and even higher than Apple’s AirPods Max (pictured below), which are priced at A$999.

Unlike previous iterations in the popular 1000X series, The ColleXion is expected to stand alone as a more exclusive offering rather than a direct successor.

Early indications suggest Sony’s new headphones could be a limited-edition or collector-focused product, potentially emphasising high-end materials and design over incremental feature upgrades.

At this stage, key specifications remain unknown, with no confirmed details on audio performance, noise cancellation improvements or battery life. However, Sony’s strong track record in active noise cancellation and sound tuning is likely to set high expectations, especially given the significant price jump.

The ColleXion branding has reportedly been in development since at least 2025, with trademarks filed in multiple regions. Leaks now point to a global launch on May 19, suggesting more concrete details could emerge in the coming weeks.

Alongside the new premium model, Sony is also expected to roll out a new ‘Sandstone’ colour option for the WH-1000XM6 on the same day. Unlike The ColleXion, this update appears purely cosmetic and will retain existing pricing.