Update | A new leak points to an upgrade to aptX HD for the Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds

Update: The WF-1000XM3s have reportedly been removed from Qualcomm's relevant web-pages, although their images still remain (thanks to the original WalkmanBlog poster, Ascariss). However, a link for their image still remains, thus maintaining a little residual hope for aptX HD on these earbuds.

The Sony WF-1000XM3 earbuds may once have been seen as the most effective competitors for Apple's AirPods. Then again, they were released before the ANC revolution, and they do miss a few typical high-end specs, the aptX HD codec for Bluetooth included. However, WalkmanBlog has uncovered evidence that Qualcomm has added these devices to its website for this technology.

This suggests that the WF-1000XM3s' firmware may be updated so as to use aptX HD soon. However, the blog has also pointed out that it would be strange for Sony to do this (paying the necessary lisence fee in the process) when it could just add LDAC instead.

That alternative high-quality codec is owned by Sony. However, the company is apparently reluctant to incorporate it into its current generation of TWS earbuds as it would impact negatively on their battery life, and on their longevity in turn. Therefore, it now seems they are getting the Qualcomm alternative as a consolation prize.