New Sony WF-1000XM5 leak reveals connectivity options and chipset choice

The Walkman Blog has unearthed new details about the WF-1000XM5, Sony's next pair of high-end TWS earbuds. To recap, the website spotted the WF-1000XM5 at the FCC in February, which referred to the earbuds by its model number YY2963. Subsequently, the same model was then seen in leaked hands-on photos with the WF-1000XM5 and its bundled charging case. Now, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has certified the YY2963, again without referencing the earbuds by name.

Regardless, the standards organisation outlines that YY2963 combines the designs of 182912 and 194027. While the Bluetooth SIG does not provide links to these designs, The Walkman Blog theorises that Sony has equipped the WF-1000XM5 with the same Bluetooth chipset that it uses in the LinkBuds series and the WH-CH720N. For reference, this chipset is the MediaTek MT2822M; the WF-1000XM4 rely on the MT2822S instead. As their names suggest, the MT2822M and MT2822S are part of the same family. However, it is unclear how MediaTek distinguishes these chipsets.

Still, the WF-1000XM5 will support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, as well as Bluetooth LE Audio. In comparison, the WF-1000XM4 utilises the Bluetooth 5.2 standard. Theoretically, Bluetooth 5.3 is more power efficient than its predecessor and offers improved signal quality. The changes are only minor though, so we imagine that will improve the WF-1000XM5 in other areas relative to the WF-1000XM4. Pricing and a release date remain unknown for now, but The Walkman Blog expects Sony to announce the new earbuds before autumn rolls around.

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