Just like clockwork, Sony has pulled back the veil from the WF-1000XM6. The audio accessory is the brand’s newest and latest true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, and the direct successor and sequel to its WF-1000XM5 that launched in 2023.
Just as the earlier leaks has shown, the WF-1000XM6 feature new designs for both earbuds and the charging cradle. The casing, in this case, looks more boxy, which we can safely translate into a more stable, less wobbly, and less likely to fall over casing. Although, to be fair, the casings of both the WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM5 never really had any stability issues.
Moving on, and as mentioned earlier, the earbuds of the WF-1000XM6 have also undergone a redesign. Gone are the circular and glossy, glassback designs of its predecessors. Instead, the earbuds are now more bean-shaped, or as Sony puts it, features an ergonomic design that should fit more comfortably inside the user’s ear. On a personal level, this writer hopes that the new fit would allow users to shake their head vigorously without the action affecting the sound quality.
Specs-wise, Sony says that each earbud of the WF-1000XM6 is powered by its new and advanced QN3e and V2 processors, allowing for “pure, uninterrupted listening and crystal-clear conversations” all day. Heck, the earbuds even have bone conduction technology built into it now. Well, that and eight microphones built into each earbud.
One design and physical point that has been made clear about the WF-1000XM6 is that it is retaining foam-based eartips, and that it won’t be using silicone-based eartips. In practice, these are certainly a better option when it comes to preventing sound from leaking into your ears from inside, while also providing better levels of sound isolation. In our experience, however, they aren’t the most durable material to use; over time, the foam-based eartips on both the WF-1000XM4 and XM5 deteriorated, the former having frustrated this writer and forcing him to constantly purchase replacement tips in intervals of months.
Sony’s promotional video also claims that it has tweaked the sound signature of the WF-1000XM6 with the help of three studios now:” Sterling Sound, Coast Mastering, and Battery Studio. The first studio is renowned for having Mastering Engineer Ted Jensen, who was responsible for The Eagles’ Hotel California, Green Day’s American Idiot, and Norah Jones’ debut album, Come Away With Me. The second is famous for its mastery of immersive audio, while Battery Studios is known for producing some classics, such as Bryan Adams’ Waking Up the Neighbours.
A Brief History Of the WF Series
To condense what we’ve already reported previously, Sony first entered the wireless earbuds market nearly a decade ago, debuting the WF-1000X at IFA 2017. As is the case with the brand, its first foray into the market wasn’t great (we’re being polite here).
A couple of years later, Sony launched the WF-1000XM3, followed by the WF-1000XM4 in 2021, and then the WF-1000XM5 in 2023.
At the time of writing, Sony hasn’t really provided much detail or specifics about the audio delivery or quality, but we suppose that we’ll get to experience that ourselves, once its Malaysian office begins sending them out to the media. To that end, the earbuds basically get all the creature comforts afforded by Sony, including Hi-Res audio Wireless support, DSEE Extreme upscaling, IPX4 water and dust resistant ratings, and multipoint connectivity that allows for device switching, giving users the ability switch from their smartphone to their laptop, if need be.
Oh, and long eight hour battery life on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the case included.
On that note, the WF-1000XM6 retails at an SRP of RM1,599, but Sony Malaysia will be running an early bird promotion on the WF-1000XM6 starting today, dropping the price down to RM1,249. While stocks last, of course, and terms and conditions apply. The earbuds will be available in two colours, Black and Platinum Silver. Additionally, the company has added a Sand Pink colourway of the WH-1000XM6 to its headphone collection, which retails at an SRP of RM2,099.
(Source: Sony)
