The Sony WF-1000XM4 is extremely highly rated by users and reviewers everywhere. Now, almost two years after their release, it looks like Sony is about to release a new version with a new design for both the earbuds and the charging case, and they could be a strong competition for Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 :
In a leak from The Walkman Blog (opens in new tab), there are now pictures of what the new WF-1000XM5 looks like in pre-production form. It looks like Sony is still sticking with that incredibly confusing naming convention, seeing the in-ear flagship just one letter away from the headphones, the WH-1000XM5.
New Sony WF-1000XM5
The leak shows us not only the new headphones, but also the internals of the new headphones. The headphones themselves look very different from the oddly shaped previous model, this time more glossy rather than matte. They’ve also changed the shape, this time with more pronounced edges to allow the ear tips to slip. It’s hard to tell now, but the design looks like it could be more comfortable than the previous model.
The case will also look a little different, taking on a more pill-like appearance. Unlike the headphones, it retains its matte finish. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2 cases, the Sony case looks a bit thicker in the middle, as well as a bit longer. If the leak is real, and as soon as it’s in hand, we’ll know how the case compares to competing options a little better. But until then, it still feels a bit clumsier than what comes with the AirPods Pro.
These are very early images of the new AirPods Pro 2 competitors, and while The Walkman Blog is generally reliable, it’s worth taking any leaks with a pinch of salt. Either way, it sounds like there’s a lot to be excited about, and we’re looking forward to comparing them to the AirPods Pro 2 and possibly adding them to our list of the best true wireless earbuds.