Sony’s next wireless noise-cancelling headphones Sony wh 1000xm5, are expected to be released this year, according to rumours. But what can we expect from the XM5 over-ears in terms of additional features? And how will they compare to the multi-award-winning series that came before them? Sony wh 1000xm5 has been on a roll in the headphone industry, releasing some of the greatest noise-cancelling Sony wh-1000xm4 and Sony wh-1000xm3 headphones we’ve ever tested, both in the in-ear earbuds and over-ear headphones categories. In the latter, the Japanese behemoth scored a tremendous hit with the Sony wh 1000xm5 in 2018, followed by the even better WH-1000XM4 in 2020.
Are you starting to sense a pattern here? There’s no reason to think the XM5 won’t keep up with the company’s biannual update schedule. While Sony has yet to publicly acknowledge their existence (which is not unusual), an official FCC filing recently discovered appears to allude to several interesting enhancements, including better battery life and a redesigned design. So, what are the latest Sony WH-1000XM3 rumours and news? What are some of the features we’d want to see in the forthcoming Sony wh 1000xm5 pair?
Best Sony Wh 1000xm5 Headphones [Complete Guide In 2022]
Sony Wh 1000xm5
Audiophiles rejoice: it appears that a follow-up to the winner of our finest headphones you can purchase right now may be on the way later this year. The Walkman Blog was the first to notice a new FCC listing from Sony, which shows a pair of wireless headphones that could be a next-generation version of the award-winning Sony wh 1000xm5 and XM4 cans. Although the word “Sony wh 1000xm5” does not exist in the listing, the title “Y2954” does. However, that sounds like a code name, and while all over-ear headphones appear to be similar, this would fit with Sony’s previous XM family biannual release schedule.
So, assuming we’re looking at the Sony wh 1000xm5, what can we expect in terms of changes? To begin with, the Y2954’s cell is listed as 3.8V, compared to the 3.7V of the WH-1000XM4. This suggests that we may be getting a battery upgrade. It also cites 5V/9V charging, implying that the WH-1000XM5 may have fast charging capabilities.
When will the Sony WH-1000XM5 be available for purchase?
We finally have some potential data on the Sony wh 1000xm5 headphones, as well as a likely release date, courtesy of an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) listing uncovered by The Walkman Blog. The YY2954 is listed as a model number, and while the WH-1000XM5 isn’t referenced by name, it’s possible that YY2954 is the codename. It’s identical to the YY2953 found in Sony’s new LinkBuds, the WF-L900. The headphones are described as “wireless noise-cancelling stereo headphones” and a “technical prototype.”
Importantly, the document’s short-term secrecy agreement expires on August 8, which could indicate a release date for the XM5. Sony usually announces new flagship headphones in August, with the WH-1000XM4 being launched on August 6, 2020, and the company usually alternates between the WH and WF versions. Because the Sony wh-1000xm2 was released in August 2018, the pattern is obvious.
What is the price of the Sony WH-1000XM5?
We can only speculate on the price, but it’s not difficult to guess. Sony typically sells its flagship over-ear headphones for £350 or $349, and the Sony wh 1000xm5 is likely to be priced similarly.
What are the specifications and characteristics of the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The FCC filing doesn’t reveal much, but there are a few little characteristics that hint at what we might expect with the Sony wh-1000xm2. The FCC ID will be moved from the headband to inside the left earcup, implying that the headband will no longer be made of plastic and instead be made of metal. We’d prefer a more streamlined design, but Sony may follow Bose’s lead with the QC45 headphones, keeping the familiar look rather than shaking things up. The binary option of black or silver has become a touch boring, so new colours would be next on our wish list. While Sony later added Midnight Blue (above) and White colour options to the Sony wh 1000xm5 range, it appears that the XM5 will only be available in black and silver, according to an XM5 Sony India import listing (also spotted by The Walkman Blog).
Returning to the FFC listing, there is a mention of a 3.8V battery, which is somewhat higher than the 3.7V battery found in the Sony wh 1000xm5, implying that the battery life will be longer than the XM4’s current 30 hours. There’s also a mention of 5V and 9V charging, implying that the headphones will charge faster than USB-C. Active noise cancellation, Bluetooth, and high-resolution audio are all standard features. It seems probable that the XM5 Sony would get a new QN2 chip, and based on some online discussion, we can agree that the Sony WH-1000XM3 would benefit from changes such as faster charging, increased LDAC and EQ support, and the addition of aptX low latency.
aptX is the first
The Sony wh 1000xm5 supports Sony’s own LDAC audio codec, but neither aptX nor aptX HD, which is becoming more widely supported with each new device launch. A low latency codec would be really useful, especially for mobile gaming.
Resistant to moisture
The Sony wh 1000xm5 are comfortable, but they lack an IP designation for water and dust resistance, so we can’t truly suggest them for exercise. Those who enjoy walking in the rain, for example. Hopefully, the sony wh-1000xm4 vs sony wh-1000xm3 will remedy this.
Charging via wireless technology
Wireless charging cases are included with the greatest wireless earphones, such as the Sony WF-1000XM4. It’s handy while you’re on the go, and it’s one less cable to deal with.
Bright and vibrant colours
Sony’s colour choice of black, silver, blue, and white has served them well over the years, but with Apple’s AirPods coming in a variety of eye-catching colours, Sony may want to reconsider for 2022.
Earbuds with magnets
The XM5 Sony ear pads may be removed and replaced, but it’s a pain to do so. Magnetically attached ear cushions would be far more convenient.
Wi-Fi
Sonos and Apple are rumoured to be working on a set of wireless and Bluetooth Sony wh 1000xm5 that could enable totally lossless music transmissions. Is it possible that Sony is thinking along the same lines? However, we wouldn’t be surprised if this feature stayed on the XM6 wishlist.
Conclusion:
If the past is any indicator of the future, the Sony wh 1000xm5 successor could be on the way. Or, at the very least, in make-up. Fingers crossed, we’ll only have to wait six months. What we can say is that the rumoured WH-1000XM5 headphones hold a lot of promise for us. Early indications suggest the design will be similar to the XM4 – after all, why fix something that isn’t broken? Improved battery life, better data transfer rates, and a few updates could be all Sony needs to stay ahead of the competition.