Sony WH-1000XM4 has continuously been among the best on the market since its initial arrival in 2020. After all, their long-lasting battery and superb noise cancellation features are only two of the reasons why consumers have been raving over the product. But fans are getting excited over the news of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones possibly hitting the market very soon.
Two years after its release, however, Sony seems to be planning a major makeover for XM4. For those who are curious, you’ll be glad to hear that German-language publication TechnikNews has dished out details about the upcoming product.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones Release Date
We finally have some potential data on the XM5 headphones, as well as a likely release date, courtesy of an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) listing, first reported by thewalkmanblog.
Info tells us that there’s a product listed under model number YY2954. The headphones are described as “wireless noise-canceling stereo headphone” and a “technical prototype.”
Observers were also quick to point out that it’s nearly identical to the YY2953 found in Sony’s new LinkBuds, the WF-L900. The short-term secrecy agreement of the doc expires on August 8 – which could indicate a release date for the XM5.
Sony usually releases new flagship headphones in August. For instance, Sony released the earlier WH-1000XM4 in August 2020. The XM3 model, on the other hand, was launched during the IFA European tech show. This year’s tech show starts on September 2.
With the previous timelines in mind, it’s certainly possible that Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones may drop on the market this summer.
Features: Yay or Nay?
Sony’s next flagship noise-canceling headphones, according to TechnikNews, would have a battery life of up to 40 hours. That means if you use the gadget for eight hours straight per day, you can use it during weekdays without having to charge it until Friday.
If correct, the battery hours alone would be a huge improvement over the XM4’s already remarkable 30 hours on a single charge. However, a longer battery time also means a longer charging time.
The new model will possibly take three and a half hours to fully charge through USB-C, which is around 30 minutes longer than the XM4. In addition, a new set of drivers and an additional processing chip for ANC are claimed to be included in the new model.
The most noticeable change between the WH-1000XM4 and its newer version is the new look. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones do not appear to fold like Sony’s existing flagship Bluetooth headphones.
The non-foldable design might be a nay for users who want a compact gadget for keeping when not in use. However, there’s a good tradeoff: the new model will likely have more earcups padding. In addition to that, XM5 might also have a more lightweight band.
Putting more padding and a lighter band together, XM5 features a comfier fit, making up for the less compact design.
The XM5 Look
Given the thicker padding and lighter band, XM5 also looks a tiny bit different compared to the earlier model. The lightweight band is more rounded. In addition to that, the earcups are a bit larger – something not surprising due to the thicker padding mentioned above.
Also, the new model features a slider power switch, unlike the earlier version with a power button. There’s also a custom button for noise-canceling or ambient modes.
The Cost
Observers can only speculate about the price of the product. However, Tech Advisor points out that Sony offers its flagship headphones for$349. That said, this amount might not differ (at least not too much) for Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. But then again, it’s only a ballpark figure, and fans need to wait for the official release to get the exact price.
