Forget Airpods Max, Leak Reveals Stunning New Headphones

Apple’s AirPods Max are arguably the company's most extreme product — uncompromising design and build materials and an eyewatering $550 price tag. But you shouldn't buy them, you should buy these headphones instead...

Apple's new AirPods Max have a potentially serious problem Apple

Thanks to TechnikNews, we now have our first look at the WH-1000XM5 — the next-generation of Sony's already class-leading, noise-cancelling headphones. And they look set to blow away Apple's AirPods Max.

The headline news is actually more subjective, the WH-1000XM5 will receive their biggest redesign in years. Gone is the boxier shape of its predecessors and in comes a more curvaceous design with plunging stems that borrows from elements of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. It's a promising and more compact design and with the WH-1000XM4 (254g) already substantially lighter than the controversially heavy and soggy (384g) AirPods Max, that's a win.

Sony WH-1000XM5 leaked renders - AirPods Max look to be in trouble TechnikNews

While looks and feel are subjective, where the new WH-1000XM5 truly takes the AirPods Max apart is battery life. The WH-1000XM4 already offered 30 hours of playback vs 20 hours for the AirPods Max, but the WH-1000XM5 jumps this to 40 hours — doubling Apple's headphones. They will also charge over USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5 redesigned ear cups TechnikNews

Elsewhere, there's comfort in next-generation leaps. Numerous reviews found nothing to choose between the sound quality and noise cancellation of the WH-1000XM4 and the AirPods Max but the WH-1000XM5 delivers Bluetooth 5.2 (vs 5.0 in the Max), new drivers and an additional ANC processor so expect upgrades in all areas. There's a new "chic" case as well, which is a label not even Apple diehards would use to describe the AirPod Max's carrying monstrosity.

Sony WH-1000XM5 case TechnikNews

And here's the kicker. Sony has always had Apple's number when it came to price: $349 vs $550. Even a substantial price jump would see a clear gap remain between the two.

Style was usually the reason buyers chose AirPods Max over Sony's XM series. With the new design coming and the technological margins widening, anyone considering a pair of AirPods Max right now would be wise to wait.

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