Leaked back in March, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is finally official. Naturally, Sony’s new wireless earbuds sport a slew of improvements over the very popular predecessor, including “the best noise cancelling,” as the Japanese company puts it.

For the Malaysian market, the WF-1000XM5 retails at RM1,399; exactly RM300 more than the WF-1000XM4 when it was first launched on our shores. It is now available for pre-order locally, and it’s set to hit store shelves sometime in August next month in two distinct colours: Black and Platinum Silver.

The highlight feature of the new WF-1000XM5 is certainly the improved noise cancelling. Using a total of six microphones and two separate processors, the XM5 can capture ambient sound more accurately while also delivering “unprecedented noise cancelling quality” – certainly a lofty promise.

Other specifications of the WF-1000XM5 include a new 8.4mm dynamic driver dubbed Dynamic Driver X – it’s said to provide deeper bass, richer vocals, and clear highs – up to 12 hours of battery life (down to eight hours with noise cancellation enabled), noise isolation foam tips, and IPX4 water resistance.

To recap, the Sony WF-1000XM5 is now available for pre-order in Malaysia, and it should start shipping next month in August 2023. Priced at RM1,399, it’s certainly positioned as a premium pair of wireless earbuds.