Sony’s new XM6 headphones are surprisingly easy to repair, even for battery replacements

The headphones brings some welcome design changes that should make repairs easier than ever.

May 30, 2025 - 19:50

Sony’s new XM6 headphones are surprisingly easy to repair, even for battery replacements

iFixit’s teardown of Sony’s latest flagship headphones reveals some welcome repairability improvements.
The WH-1000XM6’s battery is secured with screws instead of adhesive, allowing for easier replacements.
The headphone’s drivers, USB-C port, audio jack, and button board are also much easier to access.

Sony recently unveiled the WH-1000XM6, the highly anticipated successor to one of the best flagship headphones on the market. The new model brings several improvements over its predecessor, including a significantly faster QN3 processor, better ANC, enhanced voice call quality, longer battery life, and more. The XM6 also brings some welcome design changes. Sony has reintroduced the folding mechanism on the new model, which was omitted on the XM5. The company has also added detachable earpads for easier replacement and designed a completely new travel case. But that’s not all.

Sony has reportedly also redesigned the XM6’s insides, which could improve repairability. iFixit has spotted several upgrades that should make the flagship headphones easier to repair. Its teardown reveals that the lithium polymer battery powering the XM6 is secured in a plastic housing with two screws instead of double-sided adhesive, making replacements easy.