Details of Sony’s next-generation WH-1000XM5 earphones have leaked, showing off a new design and more advanced specs than the company’s current high-end offerings.
When it comes to wireless noise-cancelling audio, Sony’s existing flagship WH-1000MX4 headphones are one of the best on the market and arguably the biggest competitor to the AirPods Max, so it’s only natural that Sony’s next pocket-sized headphones will interest Apple users .
According to an unnamed retail source, he and Germany Technology News, the successor to the Sony WH-1000XM4 will have a redesign that includes thinner articulating arms that connect the earcups to a narrower headband, reminiscent of the Bose 700. This has also led to speculation that the redesigned headband is metal rather than plastic.
The earcup padding seems to be firmer, but Sony seems to have given up on the foldable folding mechanism that tucks one cup into the other, although as a edge Note that the case looks unlikely to take up more space when tucked away.
According to retail sources, the WH-1000XM5 has a battery life of up to 40 hours with active noise cancellation turned on, 10 hours longer than the XM4. The USB-C is said to have a total charge time of 3.5 hours, which is about 30 minutes longer than the current generation.
Three microphones have reportedly been relocated, and an NC/Ambient button replaces the “custom” button on the XM4, although that button may still be reprogrammable to activate voice assistants and more. The cans are also said to have an additional ANC processor and a new sound driver, suggesting improved noise cancellation and sound, but details are scarce in this regard.
A release date for the XM5 earphones is still unknown, but they did appear in FCC filings a few months ago, so they’ll likely arrive sometime this year. Until then, the $349 XM4 remained popular with Apple users who were unhappy with the relative heft and high price of the $549 “AirPods Max.”
There are currently no rumors that a new version of the “AirPods Max” might launch in the near future, but it’s worth noting that Apple has reportedly removed some features from the original, such as interchangeable headbands and more affordable sports options, so these may be models in the future. Apple could also add support for lossless Apple Music playback, which would require a new audio protocol with higher bandwidth than what Bluetooth offers.
