A recent leak suggests Sony's highly-anticipated WF-1000XM4 true-wireless stereo earbuds could be getting some much-needed upgrades. While a number of vital details regarding design and new features have been divulged, there are still some lingering questions left unanswered. The WF-1000XM3 is one of the few audio products that support Sony's 360 Reality Audio ecosystem and the earbuds are mostly regarded as the company's best TWS earphone entry to date.

Debuting back in 2019, the WF-1000XM3 utilized a similar QN1e HD processor found in Sony's top WH-1000XM3 headphone, resulting in superior sound quality and noise-canceling performance. However, the WF-1000XM3's lack of wireless charging and high-res audio support, not to mention the clunky elongated design, do make them appear a little dated. The question now is, will the WF-1000XM4 offer as many meaningful changes as the WH-1000XM4 did?

Related: How Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Speakers Fill A Room

According to TheWalkmanBlog, that's starting to look like the case, as leaked information suggests that Sony's next TWS earbuds entry will be undergoing a major design overhaul. Various leaked images of an alleged WF-1000XM4 prototype shows a smaller frame and circular exterior that looks more like a traditional earbud design, compared to the predecessor's unusually oblong aesthetic. This translates to the Sony logo being repositioned to the side, a redesigned, protruding outer mic is now situated at the edge of the earbud and, of course, there's a shorter space for touch controls. The same goes for the charging case as well, which forgoes the WF-1000XM3 case's dual-tone copper trim for a more prosaic matte black look. Sony's next big TWS earphones will reportedly be arriving some time in June.

WF-1000XM4 Improvements To Expect

Its only right for the WF-1000XM4 to have as many neat features as the larger headphone version, since the earbuds are supposed to be within the same generation. Aside from the revamped design, the new earbuds will allegedly support high-res wireless audio, like Sony's LDAC. The leak suggests that the case could come with wireless charging support, said to be capable of charging when placed on top of an Xperia 1 III smartphone.

Furthermore, the WF-1000XM4 will reportedly benefit from faster charging speeds than the predecessor as well. However, there's still no word on whether it will support AptX, if the earbuds will be able to last longer than the current version's six-hour run time, or if the new earbuds will have some form of water-proofing. Regardless, apart from the dull-looking new case design, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds are certainly sounding better than the current model, which says a lot given Sony's WF-1000XM3 are among the best ANC earbuds available to buy.

Next: Are AirPods Max Or Sony's WH-1000XM4 The Best NC Wireless Headphones?

Source: TheWalkmanBlog