Have you been patiently waiting for a discount on the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC? Well, you're in luck.

For Amazon Big Deal Days, the retailer has slashed the price of the impressive wireless buds, as long as you're signed up to Prime.

• Browse all the Amazon Prime Day deals

For just £149 at Amazon, it may only be a £30 saving, but when it comes to a price drop from Apple, we'll take whatever we can get.

And, if you're working on a tighter budget and don't mind sacrificing the ANC, you can pick up the Apple AirPods 4 without ANC for just £105. Either way, you've got yourself a pretty nice deal.

The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are the newest ‘standard’ AirPods on the market right now, and while they struggle to compete sonically with the five-star AirPods Pro 2, they're still capable of clean, detailed, agile and powerful sound.

And, despite Apple sticking with the 'open' design with no eartips, the AirPods 4 offer surprisingly effective noise cancelling, which is a relief considering you pay extra for the privilege. In fact, we said: "Combining effective noise-cancelling with an open design is no mean feat, and we have to applaud Apple for pulling it off successfully."

While most noise-cancelling earbuds will use eartips for the initial seal for your ear canal, the AirPods 4 target low-level frequencies specifically to cancel outside noise, making for a pretty decent ANC offering.

The 4th-gen AirPods are also equipped with personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, as well as clear voice call capabilities and hands-free gesture controls.

We felt a little disappointed that while Apple quotes a 30-hour battery life you will only get around 20 hours if you use ANC. Still, plenty of time to enjoy your tunes.

All things considered, our expert testers reached this verdict in the full review: "The design won’t be for everyone and the battery life lags behind the competition, but the combination of crowd-pleasing features and performance means these AirPods 4 have plenty to entice and recommend. If you’re an Apple user, you should try these earbuds out."

And you should definitely try them out by taking advantage of the £149 price tag at Amazon right now, but you'll have to be quick.

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods 4 with ANC review

Amazon Big Deal Days hi-fi deals: all the top headphone, vinyl and speaker savings picked by our experts

And check out Amazon Prime Big Deal Days: the best deals on headphones, TVs, speakers, home cinema and more

Apple Music has been my go-to streaming service for the last ten years. I started using it as soon as the streaming service launched on 30th June 2015 – our original review (five stars) went live the following month – and I've not stopped using it since.

It helped that I already had a sizeable iTunes library, and figuring out how my downloaded and ripped files would behave when moving over to a streaming-first service was useful during our original review.

In fact, Apple Music remains the only product for which I've read the T&Cs in full – as Apple was tight-lipped about certain specifications (such as the bitrate songs were streamed at), and trawling through the fine print for additional information was necessary to discover them (answer: 256kbps AAC, during launch).

Apple Music's interface, excellent catalogue and integration with iOS devices, not to mention its very intuitive algorithm for music recommendations and expertly curated playlists, have kept me in good company for the last decade.

It sounds good, too. While Tidal sounds punchier and more detailed, and Qobuz offers greater clarity, I still find that Apple Music sounds, well, musical when played through headphones, wireless speakers and hi-fi streamers. It's clear, dynamic, well-balanced and sounds particularly natural and emotive with voices.

Since launch, Apple Music has grown swiftly to compete with streaming giant Spotify in catalogue (over 100 million) and it boasts 93 million paid subscribers, while – more importantly to us at What Hi-Fi? – it also made spatial audio mainstream and introduced 24-bit hi-res lossless tiers (from 48kHz to 192kHz sample rates) – at no extra cost.

In fact, while rival streaming services have increased their prices multiple times or have different pricing for different audio quality tiers, Apple Music has only implemented one significant price rise for its main individual tier. It started at £9.99 per month; it's now £10.99 per month.

I always reach for Apple Music when I'm listening on headphones or through Bluetooth speakers, especially when at home. At work, however, I tend to use Tidal Connect and Qobuz Connect – not just because of their better sound quality (which makes testing products easier), but also because the Connect version of those streaming services makes streaming to hi-fi kit so much easier, and I get to listen in hi-res quality.

Hi-res streaming has evolved – AirPlay needs to catch up

In fact, when Apple Music celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this month, I was musing on what I'd like to see changed or improved about the platform. And I quickly realised that what I wanted wasn't anything to do with Apple Music itself, but with AirPlay. Indeed, this Apple wireless protocol is in serious need of an upgrade.

Streaming products are becoming more common these days, and the ability to stream in 24-bit hi-res quality is also becoming more widespread as music fans want better quality sound. It's not just wireless speakers that boast Bluetooth, AirPlay or internet radio; network music streamers from WiiM, Eversolo, Bluesound, Cambridge, all-in-one systems from Ruark, Naim and more do, too – and they now support Tidal Connect or Qobuz Connect, or both!

We use a Naim streamer in our hi-fi test rooms, while I use a WiiM Pro Plus in my home hi-fi system – being able to stream music from Qobuz/Tidal in hi-res quality over a network so easily, and without my phone's apps or notifications affecting the playback makes for a rewarding music listening experience.

AirPlay, in comparison, is lagging behind. AirPlay is already integrated into a huge number of third-party wireless speakers, streamers, music systems, AV receivers and more. Unlike many of Apple's iOS-only features that remain within its own ecosystem, AirPlay is widely available for all.

It's a shame, then, that it hasn't evolved into a Connect version that would allow Apple Music's subscribers to enjoy their library in a more streamlined and higher-quality way.

The most recent update, AirPlay 2, brought us multi-room playback, which was necessary for its HomePod speakers, but I hope upgrading AirPlay to a full Connect model is something Apple will consider in the near future.

A Connect version of AirPlay would elevate the Apple Music experience

AirPlay 2 is a wireless protocol that allows you to stream music (and video) content from your Apple device over your home network to supported products, and claims to deliver 16-bit/44.1kHz quality streams. It's a big step up, both technically and sonically, over super lossy Bluetooth.

Unlike other streaming apps, Apple doesn't allow for Apple Music to have integrated support in third-party hi-fi kit – so you have to rely on AirPlay to stream Apple Music tunes (especially from an iOS device; Android users can use Chromecast) in better-than-Bluetooth quality to your chosen hi-fi streamer.

(The one exception here is Eversolo, which allows you to download the Apple Music Android app directly onto its streamers, which allows you to play in full hi-res.)

However, with AirPlay, the songs streamed come via your smartphone or tablet rather than from the streaming service's servers in the cloud – so if you close the app on your phone, have a call coming in, or play a video, it will interrupt and affect playback.

In comparison, the Connect version for both Tidal and Qobuz sends music straight from their servers to the connected hi-fi product, leaving your phone free to be used as you wish and solely as a remote, with no interruptions affecting the playback. It's such a smoother experience.

This is the main upgrade I'd love to see implemented in the next iteration of AirPlay. It would make so much more sense and streamline the protocol's use when streaming my Apple Music library to hi-fi products.

Will we ever see full hi-res support over AirPlay?

The second update I'd still like to see is one that we've mentioned before. Apple Music's catalogue has songs in lossless hi-res (24-bit) quality, but there is still no way to wirelessly stream that quality, either to its own AirPods or, via AirPlay, to hi-fi or wireless systems.

Apple Music's hi-res files are in the ALAC lossless format (an alternative to FLAC). However, when streaming using AirPlay 2, this gets downsampled to the lossy AAC format (a Bluetooth standard) – which means at no point are you ever getting to enjoy the hi-res or even full CD-spec lossless quality that the 100+ million songs are available in from your Apple Music library.

You can still access it if you go wired all the way, with a DAC in between your Apple Music source and endpoint – but that defeats the point of a wireless ecosystem, and seems retrograde when hi-res wireless is now available more widely.

And while I can live with AAC quality when listening to my AirPods Pro over Bluetooth, I feel shortchanged when I'm streaming to a network player or wireless system – be it WiiM, Naim, Ruark or any other AirPlay-supporting kit – and I can't hear my well-curated Apple Music library and playlists in hi-res quality like I can with Qobuz Connect and Tidal Connect.

The advent of Qobuz Connect earlier this year made the difference all the more stark, and proved just how much a Connect version of AirPlay would bring

I understand that Apple wants to prioritise seamless connection and integration across its own devices and when using its own technology, and AirPlay does offer that with success, even if it's at the expense of dropping audio quality.

The majority of Apple users likely don't care about codecs or bitrates and would rather their products simply worked smoothly 100 per cent of the time. And I agree here, too.

As part of the smaller percentage who does also care very much about getting the best sound quality from your kit, however, I simply wish for better.

We at What Hi-Fi? are big fans of Apple's tuning and balance with its current audio products (AirPods Pro 2 and Max, HomePods, iPhones) – imagine how much better it could be if Apple pushed the needle even further and started to think about delivering true hi-res (and hi-fi) audio quality?

For those of us who use Apple Music as their main streaming source and would love to hear its full quality through our excellent hi-fi kit and catch up with rivals, we can only hope that Apple decides to get a little more audiophile when thinking about AirPlay 3, and delivers a fully Connect-style version as a proper upgrade.

Let's hope it appears before another decade passes for Apple Music, though!

MORE:

Read our full Apple Music review

What is AirPlay 2? How it works, and what speakers and devices support it

Qobuz Connect: what is it? Which products support it?

Flip phones are in fashion, the latest Fantastic Four blockbuster is taking the box office by storm, and Oasis are on tour; hard to believe it's somehow 2025 and not the noughties.

Flip phones, however, look quite different nowadays, as evidenced by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, which we have before us today.

The company’s foldable line has come a long way since its inception with 2019’s Galaxy Z Fold. Six years on from that experimental stage, the Korean tech giant treats these bendy smartphones with the same reverence as its long-running Galaxy S lineup.

It seems to have learned a lot since its first generation, which makes the Z Flip 7 one of its most compelling foldable smartphones to date. That’s good news indeed, considering it’s following two particularly excellent handsets from the brand.

Last year’s Z Fold 6 proved to be one of the biggest surprises of the year, thanks to its impressive display and audio performance, while the video upscaling feature introduced on the Galaxy S25 Ultra ensured a five-star score for that premium handset.

So, can the Z Flip 7 hold a candle to these impressive smartphones when it comes to AV duties?

Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 officially starts at £1049 / $1100 / AU$1799 for the 256GB model, though a 512GB model is also available for £1149 / $1220 / AU$1999. Both models feature 12GB of RAM and Samsung’s Exynos 2500 processor.

The Z Flip 7 is priced squarely in the premium sector, then. It’s slightly cheaper than the Galaxy S25 Ultra (£1249 / $1300 / AU$2199), though it's pricier than the Award-winning Apple iPhone 16 Pro (£999 / $999 / AU$1799).

Perhaps the best comparison is with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which costs from £1199 / $1199 / AU$2149.

Build

If it wasn’t immediately clear, this is a foldable phone, which means that the design itself is a key feature.

This is a clamshell-style flip phone, reminiscent of the flip phones from the early 2000s. That means you can snap the phone shut after a phone call if you’re feeling particularly sassy.

Unlike the flip phones of old, the outer surface of the Z Flip 7 features a 4.1-inch edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which can be used to interact with a range of applications or access key information at a glance, such as the weather or calendar entries.

Our favourite use for this display, however, is interacting with the media controls while streaming music. There’s something pleasing about having a palm-sized portable music player, which makes us yearn for the days of iPods.

Unfolding the phone reveals a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which sports a crucial video-focused feature that we’re thrilled to see – a 21:9 aspect ratio.

That’s the classic ratio for movie content. Sony used to be the champion of this, but it has unceremoniously ditched 21:9 for its recent flagship Xperia devices.

Implementing this into a foldable form factor, as Samsung has done, makes a lot of sense, as the long, slender chassis of previous 21:9 phones made them a bit awkward to carry around.

A compact shell that can be folded in half for enhanced pocketability is a smart move that also satisfies our AV priorities.

This is also a particularly slim phone. It's not quite as slender as the razor-thin Z Fold 7, but at just 13.7mm when folded and 6.5mm unfolded, the Z Flip 7 is an unquestionably slender smartphone.

Despite the slim design, Samsung has made sure to keep its latest smartphone rugged thanks to its Aluminium Armour frame, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 covering the fragile glass elements to help reduce the likelihood of scratches or cracks.

The hinge has been upgraded, too, with Samsung touting its latest generation Armour FlexHinge as being more durable than ever before. It also provides a tighter seal when the device is closed, as well as a smoother folding action.

On the subject of the folding mechanism, we should also point out that Samsung has taken huge strides in reducing the screen crease, to the extent that it’s barely noticeable to the eye or the touch.

Finally, with four finishes to choose from – Jetblack, Coral Red, Shadow Blue and Mint – it's a stylish phone too. We have the Shadow Blue model, which looks rather smart thanks to the metallic shine that shifts the colour when light hits it.

The one blemish on the design front is that the Z Flip 7 is an absolute fingerprint magnet, with the internal screen picking up smudges with frustrating ease.

Features

Samsung’s smartphones have boasted famously extensive feature sets in recent years. And they have only grown in the last 18 months, thanks to the unwavering onslaught of AI integration.

The Galaxy AI suite is, as expected, featured on the Flip 7, with the likes of Circle to Search with Google, Live Translation, Writing Assist, and a wide range of photo and video editing tools.

The list seems to grow continually, and Samsung has previously updated existing models with new AI features, so in all likelihood the Flip 7 will become even more AI-ified over time.

Samsung has, in fact, promised to deliver seven years of software upgrades to the Flip 7.

While AI tricks are fine and useful, we’re much more interested in AV performance. The main display features a resolution of 2520 x 1080, with a pixel density of 397ppi.

It’s an OLED display, which is ideal for deep, convincing blacks, and while the 1080p resolution may seem off-putting in a world of 1440p devices, we can assure you that the display is plenty sharp enough.

As we’ve already mentioned, the Z Flip 7 features a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is practically perfect for watching a large variety of films, thanks to the fact that the black letterbox bars are totally eliminated. 16:9 content is where things get a bit trickier, however, as sizable black pillar bars are added to the left and right of the image.

Both the internal and external displays feature Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, so they support variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. This makes gaming and interacting with the UI feel great, and the screen can intelligently drop the frame rate when it comes to static content; for example, if you’re reading a webpage on your phone.

The cover and main displays are both officially rated at 2600 nits peak brightness, though the main screen gets a major AV boost in the form of HDR10+ support. Practically all of the major streaming services now support HDR10+ content in some form or other, including Netflix and Disney+, which both adopted the format recently.

Dolby Atmos audio is also supported via the phone’s stereo speakers (formed of a downward-firing speaker and the earpiece), as well as through wired and wireless headphones.

There is no headphone jack, unsurprisingly, but you can hook wired cans up to the phone via a 3.5mm to USB-C adapter. Wireless audio is also available over Bluetooth 5.4 with the A2DP and LE codecs supported.

As for the remaining features, the Z Flip 7 sports three cameras in total: a 50MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens and a front-facing 10MP camera. The joy of the Flip series is that you can use the main high-quality camera as a selfie shooter thanks to the cover screen, which can be used as a viewfinder.

Camera performance is solid on the Flip 7, with colourful, punchy and crisp images that should suffice for anyone who carefully cultivates their Instagram profile.

Rounding things out with the battery, Samsung has upped the capacity to 4300mAh, which is apparently the biggest battery in a Z Flip device so far. It claims 31 hours of video playback. In real-life terms, we find that it can easily make it through a day with moderate to heavy use, including music and movie streaming.

Picture

We’ve already established that the Z Flip 7’s main display is particularly well-suited to watching movies in terms of specs and dimensions, but how does its picture performance hold up? We stream a range of content from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ to the device, and find that it's impressive, but not without flaws.

We find the best results when pairing the device with some cinematic content that fills the 21:9 aspect ratio, such as Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning on Netflix. Here we find that the Z Flip 7 produces a crisp and detailed image, with a nice sense of three-dimensional depth.

There is tangible detail to the fabric of the suits worn by the gang of operatives, as well as to skin texture. Skin tones are perhaps a touch on the vivid side, but generally speaking, the display handles colours well, albeit not entirely authentically.

Users can choose between a vivid and natural colour preset – we lean towards the latter for our testing, though we do appreciate the ability to tweak the colour temperature in the default Vivid mode. The Natural preset, however, is the more accurate overall.

On motion, we find that a couple of panning shots in Blade Runner 2049 stutter briefly, but broadly speaking, motion is fine. Moving objects, such as Officer K’s scout drone in the opening sequence of the film, glide with relative smoothness.

One area where the Z Flip disappoints is, strangely, brightness. As we’ve established, the display is rated to a peak brightness of 2600 nits, the same as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, placing the two handsets side by side reveals that the S25 Ultra is clearly brighter.

In isolation, it’s still evident that the Z Flip 7’s display is quite dim, even with auto brightness switched off and the extra brightness setting enabled. That dimness robs the picture of some of its impact.

Getting back on track, we’re happy with how the Z Flip handles dark details. Areas of Sapper Morton’s farmhouse in Blade Runner 20249 that are bathed in shadow don’t entirely hide the piano, armchair or sofa, allowing us to dig out a good bit of detail here.

While we generally approve of the Z Flip’s picture performance, it doesn’t quite compare to another five-star handset on the market. The iPhone 16 admittedly doesn’t feature a nifty folding form factor, but it does deliver a richer and more cinematic experience.

We prefer the slightly warmer tone that the iPhone delivers, and contrast is also better on the Apple smartphone. It also happens to cost considerably less. Admittedly, those dedicated to the Google operating system likely won’t give the iPhone a second look, but it's worth considering if you’re open to iOS.

Sound

Samsung’s recent batch of smartphones has sounded good, rather than great, and the Z Flip 7 is no exception. Loading Tidal on the phone and plugging in a pair of wired headphones, we find the Z Flip checks plenty of boxes, but it doesn’t necessarily go above and beyond.

Using a range of test tracks from the likes of Hans Zimmer, Aurora, Kansas, Taylor Swift and Hozier, we find that the Z Flip reliably delivers a crisp and detailed sound, with a solid sense of timing.

Voices sound clean and natural, and there is a decent sense of spatial separation between the voices and individual instruments of the test tracks we opt for. Switching on the Dolby Atmos audio feature heightens (pun intended) this effect, with an even more open feel to the sound, though it does lose a touch of focus in the process.

When it comes to dynamics and subtlety, we actually consider it to be better than the pricier S25 Ultra, which can sound strained at higher volumes and a bit flat when the volume isn’t pumped up.

However, it's the iPhone 16 that once again steals the spotlight, as it offers a richer, more natural, and harmonious sound. Instruments feel more textured, and voices are more detailed with greater importance placed on low-level dynamics, resulting in a more emotive performance.

Verdict

Foldable phones have quickly matured during their relatively short time on the smartphone scene, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 cements this notion. It’s interesting enough to stir conversation when you whip it out of your pocket, but it’s conventional enough that you don’t have to adjust too greatly if you’re coming from a “normal” phone.

For those looking to make it their new portable movie and music consumption device, we think it’s a solid offering with some thoughtful additions, namely the 21:9 display and the ability to use it as a compact music player when folded.

That being said, the Z Flip 7 just misses the mark on pure picture and sound performance, so stick to the traditional non-flexible smartphones if a five-star AV experience is what you’re after.

SCORES

• Picture 4
• Sound 4
• Features 5

MORE:

Read our review of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Also consider the Apple iPhone 16

Read our Apple iPhone 16 Pro review

Best smartphones: the best phones for music and movies

Attention, Apple fans! We know you want the latest AirPods out at the moment, and we know that you don't want to pay full whack to get them. It's a good job we're out there hunting for deals all year round, then, isn't it?

The AirPods 4 with ANC are Apple's latest wireless earbuds, and they have just dropped from £179 to just £149 at the EE Store, a fall of £30. It's a limited-time deal, though, so warm up those hamstrings and prepare to sprint towards a discount that won't be around for ever.

Best AirPods 4 with ANC deal

The Apple AirPods 4 with ANC are the newest ‘standard’ AirPods on the market, and while they may not be quite as sonically capable as the five-star AirPods Pro 2, the fourth-gen buds are clever, comfy and built for iOS users.

Despite their open design, in which the buds avoid digging deep into your ear canal, the AirPods 4 offer surprisingly effective noise cancelling. We didn't think an open design would work that well with ANC, but the results are outstanding when tackling low-level noises.

The fourth-gen Pods are equipped with personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, as well as clear voice call capabilities and hands-free gesture controls. Battery life, meanwhile, clocks in at a solid 30 hours with the charging case, which should keep most users satisfied at this price.

Sonically, the AirPods 4 with ANC have a similar balance to the flagship Pro 2, serving up pleasing levels of clarity and detail while excelling with mid-range vocal passages. They are not quite as dynamic as the Pro 2, but we’re still impressed by the snappy, engaging performance the fourth-gen buds provide.

Grab a pair at EE if you're interested, Apple fans.

MORE:

The best AirPods deals 2025: big savings on all Apple headphones

These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy

JLab Go Pop+ review: cheap, but how cheerful?

Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference, or WWDC as it is more commonly known, took place last night, and it was certainly eventful.

The tech titan announced that it would be unifying its entire product offering with a consistent software approach across everything from iPhones to Apple TV 4K, and even the Apple Watch.

Current version numbers have been scrapped, meaning every product runs a new "26" version of their respective operating system; for example we now have iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and tvOS 26.

The biggest change, however, is the introduction of "Liquid Glass", a design ethos that spans all of Apple's hardware. It refines the user experience with a new translucent look, features slicker transitions, and aims for a more immersive experience overall.

While there were plenty of other interesting announcements, including upgrades to Apple Intelligence and a new gaming hub on iPhone, the presentation was unquestionably light on AV, music and home cinema announcements.

We had hoped to see more updates for the Apple TV 4K, HomePod range, AirPods lineup and Apple's services, but that didn't appear to be Apple's priority.

With our WWDC 2025 wishlist now in tatters, here are the things we were hoping to see revealed last night, but ultimately didn't get:

1. Any new hardware

Apple doesn't always announce new products at WWDC, but when it does, it does so in style. It took WWDC 2023 as an opportunity to launch Apple Vision Pro, while WWDC 2022 saw a flashy, upgraded MacBook Air make a debut.

Unfortunately, there was no mention of any new hardware at WWDC 2025, which is a shame, as a couple of key AV products are long overdue for an update.

The HomePod Mini is the first that springs to mind, as it's fast approaching its fifth anniversary; that's practically geriatric by Apple standards. While the existing Mini is a gem of a smart speaker – not to mention a four-time What Hi-Fi? Award-winner – it would be nice to see a refreshed model with even better performance, and maybe even a few new colours.

The other key Apple product that could do with a refresh is the Apple TV 4K, which is coming up on three years old. Once again, the existing Apple TV 4K is a great streamer, in fact, it's the best streaming device on the market, but we wouldn't say no to an update.

As evidenced by the upgrade from the second generation to the third generation model, the picture and sound performance tends to improve every time, even if there doesn't appear to be many changes on paper. We can only dream of what a fourth-generation model could offer, though rumours suggest that one is on the way.

Rumours and speculation are never enough for us, though, and Apple didn't even drop a crumb of evidence that a new HomePod or Apple TV 4K is on the way.

2. Big changes to Apple Music and Apple TV+

Apple's services were also sidelined at this event, aside from a few minor changes coming to Apple Music.

Lyrics translation is coming with iOS 26, meaning you can sing along to your favourite international pop hits without putting hundreds of hours into Duolingo. AutoMix is set to transition your current track into the next seamlessly, and you'll also be able to pin your favourite tracks, playlists and artists to the top of the Apple Music app for easy access.

That's about it, not counting the new "Liquid Glass" look to the app, which will presumably be locked to Apple devices.

It would have been nice to see some highly requested features, such as a button to download your full music library, or even higher quality streaming to match the likes of Qobuz and Tidal.

Apple TV+ didn't receive much attention either, though there are some nice poster-style artwork options for Apple's original programming. We would have liked to see a proper watchlist feature separated from the Up Next section, and a bigger design refresh wouldn't have gone amiss either, especially after Amazon Prime Video and Netflix's recent updates.

3. The big tvOS update

Ahead of last night's livestream, there were murmurs of a revolutionary tvOS update that would see the biggest shift in design and functionality since it launched in 2015.

While rumours should always be taken with a liberal pinch of salt, we couldn't help but be a bit disappointed when we found out that this design upgrade was merely a few transparent elements and a profile selection screen.

tvOS 26 looks remarkably similar to the currently available tvOS 18, and there aren't that many new features or usability tweaks to show for it either, aside from the ability to set an AirPlay-enabled wireless speaker as your permanent default audio output.

The good news is, of course, that tvOS is one of the best (if not the best) streaming-based operating services around, so we're not angry, just disappointed.

MORE:

Apple announces iOS 26 with a new "Liquid Glass" design and an upgraded Apple Music app

Read our full Apple iPhone 16e review

As well as our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Apple has announced the latest iteration of its iOS software, and it's looking like quite the upgrade. The tech goliath touts this upgrade as its biggest change since 2013's iOS 7, with a new look and name signifying the shift.

Its new design ethos, titled Liquid Glass, is a sleek and fluid new take on iOS, with a greater focus on transparency and simplicity.

It's also got a new name; Apple is unifying its software offerings across its portfolio, meaning this new version is called iOS 26. The latest version of the software is expected to roll out this autumn alongside the rumoured iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Air.

The whole look is designed to be softer and more adaptive, meaning the transparent elements will dynamically react to what's on screen. Icons appear more rounded, too, and the clock and notifications found on your lock screen will adapt to your wallpaper.

So, what are the new features? Apple has announced changes across the whole software experience, with a new camera app, Safari web browser experience and a range of upgrades coming to practically every app on your iPhone.

However, we're drawn more to the new Apple Music upgrades coming with this update.

Dynamic album art will now take over your lock screen with an immersive animated look, and lyrics translations will also be added, so you can understand lyrics even if they're not in your native language.

There's also Automix, a new feature that Apple says will blend tracks intelligently for smoother transitions between songs. Finally, you'll be able to pin your favourite albums, playlists and artists to the top of the Apple Music app for quicker access to your most frequently accessed music.

Admittedly, this isn't a complete overhaul to Apple Music by any means, but a handful of new features and a new look are nice additions regardless.

iOS 26 is expected to launch with the (yet to be announced) iPhone 17 series later this year, and will be supported on the following iPhone models:

• iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max

MORE:

Read our full iPhone 16 Pro review

As well as our iPhone 16 review

And find our list of the best iPhones here

September has become synonymous with new iPhone launches – and this year’s announcement could see the arrival of an entirely new model.

Rumours are rife that Apple is preparing to launch a new ultra-thin iPhone, much as Samsung has done with its new Galaxy S25 Edge.

So just how thin could it be? And what compromises might Apple have to make to achieve it? We’ve combed through all the latest speculation and summed it up for you below.

• iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: which should you buy?
• The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if movies on the move are your priority
• iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: what's the difference?

iPhone 17 Air: Release date speculation

Until the iPhone 17 Air (a pretty solid prediction for what it will be called given the use of the ‘Air’ name in Apple’s other products) is officially announced, any suggested release date is purely speculation. Having said that, you can practically set your watch by Apple’s iPhone launch schedule, so we can at least attempt to narrow it down somewhat.

Five of the past six iPhone launch events have happened in the first half of September (between the 7th and 14th), with only 2020’s iPhone 12 coming later due to disruption caused by the Covid pandemic that swept the world in that year.

With reports suggesting that Apple will start to split its launches across two periods, and with this being a new entry into the iPhone range, it could be that the Air model is held back for 2026 – but the expectation is that this new spring window will be for cheaper models such as the iPhone 16e.

iPhone 17 Air: Price predictions

It’s fair to assume that the Air would slot into the iPhone range in the same way that the iPad Air and MacBook Air fit into their respective product line-ups: right in the middle.

That will leave the iPhone Pro (and its larger Max variant) at the top of the range, with the Air coming in slightly cheaper, and the standard iPhone remaining as the most affordable option of the most recent generation. A cheaper 17e model would be unlikely to appear until further down the line (possibly as part of the aforementioned spring release).

In terms of actual prices, specific numbers would be pure speculation right now, particularly given the uncertainty caused by recent tariff changes in the US. Donald Trump has recently threatened to charge Apple a 25 per cent tariff on any iPhones sold in the US that are made outside the country (Apple has recently shifted production of the majority of its US-bound phones from China to India).

When the iPhone 16 launched last year, prices were generally the same as they were for the iPhone 15 (in Australia they actually went down), but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them rise this time round.

As a rough guide, here are the prices for the current iPhone range:

iPhone 17 Air: Design and build

The Air name implies lack of weight rather than thinness, but ever since Steve Jobs unveiled the original MacBook Air by removing it from a manila envelope the main selling point of Apple’s Air products has been just how impossibly skinny they are.

Various rumours have the iPhone 17 Air pegged to measure between 5mm and 6.25mm thick, but, with a camera bump expected to be part of the design, chances are it won’t be a uniform thinness from top to bottom.

Wherever in that spectrum it might land, it would still be the thinnest iPhone ever made, a title that’s currently held by the 6.9mm iPhone 6, and around 2mm thinner than the current iPhone 16 Pro (above).

The iPhone 6 was released more than a decade ago, though, and handsets have increased in size since then as manufacturers have had to find space for bigger screens, more capable cameras, and higher-capacity batteries to power them.

It seems inevitable that some compromises will have to be made to achieve such a slimline chassis. The suggestion is that a titanium-aluminium alloy will be used to keep the weight down to around 145g.

iPhone 17 Air: Display

There are some minor disagreements when it comes to the rumoured size of the iPhone 17 Air’s screen, with some saying it will be a 6.6-inch OLED and others suggesting it will come in at a slightly larger 6.7-inches.

The former would put it in between the current iPhone Pro Max and the standard iPhone (above). This works in terms of its position in the range – but, with such a small margin between the two, either would seem equally plausible.

What most reports do agree on is that it will have 120Hz ProMotion display technology and offer an always-on mode, with a Dynamic Island to house the Face ID sensors. Some analysts, however, disagree on whether that will remain unchanged from the iPhone 16 range.

Jeff Pu has suggested that the Dynamic Island could be made smaller on the Pro Max, but Ming-Chi Kuo believes that it will remain “largely unchanged” across the entire iPhone 17 line-up.

There have also been some speculative suggestions that the iPhone 17 Air could use an entirely new screen technology in order to achieve the necessary thinness. Back in October 2024, DigiTimes reported that Apple would be one of the first companies to buy screens that use TDDI technology, which combines the touch and display layers. Sounds ideal for a new super-thin iPhone, right?

iPhone 17 Air: Specs and features

Each new iPhone generation comes with a new chip to power it – and the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be no different.

Apple will introduce its new, more powerful A19 processors with the iPhone 17 range and as usual it will comprise two different chips: the A19 and A19 Pro. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to pair 8GB of RAM with the standard A19, which makes sense for a couple of reasons.

First, the Pro version of the chip tends to be reserved for the Pro version of the phone (the clue’s in the name), and with the slim chassis meaning there is less room for the battery – one leak suggests it will have a capacity of just 2800mAh – a less power-hungry chip would be required to make it last as long as possible between charges.

That might sound paltry – for context the battery inside the new 6.7-inch Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8mm thick, is 3900mAh and lasts about a day – but there are multiple reports that Apple will use a new type of higher-density silicon-anode battery technology to make it last longer than the raw numbers would suggest.

There is a suggestion that a case with a built-in battery will also be available, but surely even the most ardent Apple fan wouldn’t buy a phone that’s USP is thinness and then make it fatter with a case.

The iPhone 17 Air could also see a couple of changes in terms of connectivity. For starters it’s expected to ditch the physical SIM tray in favour of an eSIM. That might seem like a minor change but it will help to free up more crucial space within the chassis, while it could also be the only model in the iPhone 17 range to use Apple’s own C1 modem, which is currently found only in the 16e (above).

iPhone 17 Air: Cameras

The biggest compromise looks to be made when it comes to the iPhone 17 Air’s camera.

Smartphone buyers have grown accustomed to handsets with multiple lenses crammed onto the back, but a recent video posted on X by known leaker Majin Bu shows just a single camera on the back of the iPhone 17 Air.

Most Apple tipsters expect this single camera to be a 48MP job, the same as you currently get on the iPhone 16 Pro, with a 24MP one on the front.

iPhone 17 Air: Early verdict

We’re still a little way away from the expected reveal of the iPhone 17 Air, but with every new leak a clearer picture of what it could look like is starting to appear.

While the exact dimensions won’t be known for certain until it is made official at Apple HQ, it seems certain that we’ll be shown the thinnest iPhone ever made. But will it come at the expense of its camera capabilities and battery life?

We should know for sure in early September.

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Apple will announce its new iPhone 17 range later today, and once again the Pro models will take top billing. The slimline iPhone 17 Air might dominate the headlines, but the Pro and Pro Max are for serious iPhone users.

We're expecting new camera tech and new colours. The Pro Max is rumoured to have the biggest battery of any iPhone ever, while the Pro is said to come with a higher entry-level storage capacity than the 16 Pro (and presumably a higher starting price).

We'll be updating our Apple event 2025 live hub throughout the launch so you can stay up on the latest news as it breaks. Until then, read on to see what the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max should offer.

• iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: which should you buy?
• The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if movies on the move are your priority
• iPad Air M3 vs iPad Pro M4: what's the difference?

iPhone 17 Pro: release date speculation

Apple's 'Awe dropping' event takes place today, 9th September. While it hasn't confirmed this will launch the iPhone 17 range, it's a safe bet, seeing as early September is well within Apple's usual iPhone launch timeframe.

For proof, take a look at when previous iPhones launched.

• iPhone 11: 10th September 2019
• iPhone 12: 13th October 2020
• iPhone 13: 14th September 2021
• iPhone 14: 7th September 2022
• iPhone 15: 12th September 2023
• iPhone 16: 9th September 2024

Previous launch patterns suggest that we should expect pre-orders to open shortly after the announcement, with retail availability following roughly a week later.

This could be the last year with the current iPhone launch schedule. One recent report says that Apple might split future iPhone launches across two separate release windows – retaining the traditional autumn schedule for Pro models while shifting standard models to the following spring.

This would take effect from 2026, possibly the same year that the foldable iPhone launches (here's everything we know so far about Apple's folding iPhone).

iPhone 17 Pro: price predictions

The recent bout of US tariffs is causing chaos across many industries, including electronics, and that makes it very hard indeed to predict pricing for the next iPhone.

That means that past prices are not the general guide that they usually are.

We can simply say that the iPhone 16 range launched at similar prices to the iPhone 15 before it, so we're hoping the same for the iPhone 17 Pro and its siblings, but we're not holding our breath.

Still, for context, the prices for the current iPhone 16 range are below:

More and more analysts are predicting a price rise for the iPhone 17. The consensus seems to be around £50 / $50 higher than the iPhone 16, which would mean a starting price of £849 / $849 for a 128GB iPhone 17.

But the Pro models could see a bigger price hike. One leaker predicts Apple will replace the 128GB entry-level storage capacity with 256GB, which could be used to justify a price rise, or to soften its blow.

Fellow US tech firm Sonos recently announced it will raise its prices later in the year. With inflation still biting and tariffs coming into effect, all the signs point to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max costing more than their current equivalents.

iPhone 17 Pro: design and build

While most smartphones tend to look the same – there's only so much you can do with a slab of glass and some cameras on the back, after all – there may be a few tweaks in line for the iPhone 17 Pro.

One of the latest rumours points to a potential change in materials, marking a departure from the titanium frame used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models (and the stainless steel used in earlier Pro iPhones).

According to The Information's Wayne Ma, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a new part-aluminium, part-glass design that could improve durability while still enabling wireless charging.

The top portion could reportedly be aluminium for improved durability, while the bottom section would be glass in order to support wireless charging functionality. It's an interesting concept, though time will tell if the rumours are accurate.

The camera module, meanwhile, is expected to see a significant redesign too. Multiple sources, including MacRumors, report that the iPhone 17 Pro could adopt a large rectangular camera bump spanning nearly the entire width of the device – similar to Google's Pixel phones. A recent render from Majin Bu (above) shows how this design might look.

Majin Bu also reports that Apple will likely introduce a new Sky Blue colour for the iPhone 17 Pro models, similar to the recently introduced MacBook Air M4.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (below), the camera bump will also be the same colour as the rest of the device, rather than featuring a two-tone design as seen in some early renders.

As for the actual colours, MacRumors reports that the 17 Pro handsets will come in grey, dark blue and orange, alongside the black and white of the iPhone 16 Pro models.

iPhone 17 Pro: display

The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to retain the same 6.3-inch display size introduced by the iPhone 16 Pro, but with some notable improvements to the screen technology.

Reports from Instant Digital (via MacRumors) indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro's display will feature a new anti-reflective coating, significantly increasing its scratch resistance compared with previous models, as well as improving visibility in direct sunlight.

Elsewhere, the standard 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate is expected to return, though PhoneArena reports that the display could achieve higher peak brightness levels, potentially by using Samsung Display's M14 panels, which can apparently reach up to 3000 nits.

Interestingly, MacRumors also indicates that the ProMotion technology will no longer be exclusive to Pro models, with all iPhone 17 models expected to feature 120Hz displays, thanks to the adoption of LTPO OLED technology across the entire 17 series lineup.

Lastly, a smaller and less intrusive Dynamic Island could also make an appearance. Analyst Jeff Pu says (via MacRumors) that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will reportedly have a narrower Dynamic Island thanks to the Face ID system using a smaller "metalens".

Instead of being curved like a traditional lens, the newest version is apparently thin and flat enough to be able to focus light more precisely. That would mark the first change to the Dynamic Island since it was introduced in 2022.

In classic Apple rumour-mill fashion, however, another well-respected Apple analyst believes that the Dynamic Island will remain "largely unchanged".

iPhone 17 pro: specs, features, OS, and battery life

Surprise, surprise, the iPhone 17 Pro will feature the most powerful iPhone processor to date. According to multiple reports from sources including MacRumors and Tom's Guide, the iPhone 17 Pro will be powered by Apple's next-gen A19 Pro chip, which is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's newer third-generation 3nm process.

This should deliver improved performance and power efficiency over the current A18 Pro silicon, though it looks as though Apple will need to wait until the iPhone 18 in 2026 for TSMC's more advanced 2nm process.

Memory is also rumoured to receive a significant boost. Multiple sources suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro could feature 12GB of RAM, up from the 8GB found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. MacRumors reports that this additional memory would particularly benefit the Apple Intelligence features while improving multitasking performance as AI capabilities continue to expand.

Another notable improvement could be thermal management.

Reports from the above two sources indicate the iPhone 17 Pro will incorporate vapour chamber cooling technology, which disperses heat more efficiently across a larger surface area to prevent thermal throttling and maintain stable performance during demanding tasks such as gaming.

This would address occasional overheating issues reported with some previous models under heavy loads.

All iPhone 17 models are also expected to feature a Wi-Fi 7 chip designed by Apple rather than Broadcom, marking another step in Apple's transition to in-house component design.

However, MacRumors notes that the 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Pro models will still come from Qualcomm, as Apple's in-house modem development appears to be progressing at a slower rate than expected.

As for the operating system, it will come as no surprise to hear that iOS 26, which was unveiled at Apple's WWDC in June, will be landing on the next-gen iPhones.

Apple Intelligence will, also unsurprisingly, continue to be a major focus, with Tom's Guide reporting that iOS 26 will bring expanded AI capabilities, building on the foundation established with iOS 18.

Lastly, on the battery front, we could see improvements in longevity thanks to the more efficient A19 Pro processor, along with a rumoured larger battery capacity.

PhoneArena reports that the iPhone 17 Pro could house a 3700mAh battery, while the Pro Max variant might reach 4700mAh, which would be slightly bigger than the respective models in the iPhone 16 range.

But a more recent rumour says the iPhone 17 Pro Max's battery could be 5000mAh – the largest of any iPhone so far (the iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery is 4685mAh capacity).

iPhone 17 Pro: camera

The iPhone 17 Pro's camera system looks set for one of its most significant upgrades in recent years. According to MacRumors and PhoneArena, all three rear cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro are expected to feature 48MP sensors, including an upgraded telephoto lens that would replace the current 12-megapixel telephoto camera.

This would make the iPhone 17 Pro the first iPhone with three 48MP lenses, though there are conflicting reports about how this might affect zoom capabilities.

Some sources, such as Tom's Guide, suggest the telephoto camera may shift from the current 5x optical zoom to a 3.5x (85mm equivalent) zoom, which could be better optimised for portrait photography.

Leaker Setsuna Digital calls the iPhone 17 Pro Max's telephoto camera the most powerful yet. They didn't specify what this will entail, but it's certainly exciting.

A more powerful telephoto camera should mean not only better zoom capabilities, but also better portraits and more stable video recording.

The front-facing camera is also due for a substantial improvement, according to the rumour mill. Multiple sources report that all iPhone 17 models will feature a new 24MP selfie camera – a significant upgrade from the 12MP front camera found in the iPhone 16 range. This should provide noticeably improved image quality for selfies and FaceTime calls, along with greater flexibility for cropping.

Additional camera features also reportedly include new shooting modes. Jon Prosser of Front Page Tech, as reported by The Shortcut, claims that the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a new dual-capture mode that would allow users to record video simultaneously with both front and rear cameras.

There's also speculation from multiple sources that 8K video recording – a feature reportedly tested but not implemented on the iPhone 16 Pro – could finally debut with the iPhone 17 Pro, taking advantage of the higher-resolution sensors.

iPhone 17 Pro: early verdict

The rumours suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro is shaping up to be a more substantial upgrade than the iPhone 16 Pro was on its predecessor.

The potential combination of a trio of 48MP cameras, improved display technology and faster innards makes for a tempting proposition – assuming they all come to fruition. And the 17 Pro Max's bigger battery could make it a real warhorse of a phone.

Stay tuned, we'll bring you all the details as soon as they're official.

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New reports suggest that Apple's upcoming affordable iPhone – which has tentatively been dubbed the iPhone SE 4 – could launch later this week. It is set to join the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in Apple's current iPhone lineup and will replace the nearly three-year-old 3rd Generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022.

This new rumour comes from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has delivered many reliable Apple leaks before; so we are inclined to believe this rumour, though we should remind you to take any rumour or leak with a pinch of salt. If Gurman's prediction is true, we could expect to see the new affordable iPhone before the end of the week – though we're not anticipating a full live-streamed Apple event akin to the annual September launch.

Instead, Gurman suggests that we could see a more tame unveiling on Apple's website, which will be more in line with the quiet launch of the iPad Mini 7th Generation. According to the Bloomberg report, we could expect to see the new iPhone go on sale later this month, with stock of the current model supposedly drying up at some Apple retailers. We have attempted to verify this, though a quick look at Apple's website shows that the SE 3rd Generation is still available at many of its locations here in the UK.

We eagerly await the release of the iPhone SE 4 for a multitude of reasons – especially as rumours point to this iteration of the smartphone being a major departure from the previous two generations. It's reportedly set to drop the iPhone 8 chassis and adopt an iPhone 14-style look with slimmer bezels and a notch. As part of this upgrade, Apple is rumoured to be incorporating a 6.1-inch OLED display, which should make this affordable iPhone a much better device for on-the-go movie watching.

Furthermore, Apple has been on its A-game regarding audio performance lately; in fact, we called the iPhone 16 "easily one of the best-sounding smartphones we’ve heard". If this supposed new SE 4 follows in the footsteps of its flagship siblings, then we could be in for a treat. We are also eager to pit this rumoured new iPhone against our current favourite budget handset, the Sony Xperia 10 VI. It took home the coveted Product of the Year title at our most recent Awards thanks to its superb AV performance and excellent value – so could this new iPhone SE pose a genuine threat?

Other rumours (courtesy of Tom's Guide) suggest that the new SE will swap Touch ID for Face ID, support Apple Intelligence (Apple's AI feature suite) thanks to the A17 Pro chip, and ditch the Lightning port in favour of USB-C. There are also reports that it will stick to having just one camera, though that is expected to jump from 12MP to 48MP.

Of course, we are most intrigued by the picture and sound capabilities of this prospective iPhone, so stay tuned to see if this affordable Apple handset materialises later this week.

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Making the switch from Spotify to Apple Music, and can't imagine leaving behind all your carefully curated playlists? Or maybe you want your entire library synced up and duplicated when you make the big switch from one music streaming service to another. Either way, this guide should help make changing that process as easy as possible.

Apple Music and Spotify are competing platforms, of course, so neither is going to make it easy to leave one service for the other. As such, the two don't play nicely with each other – so any ideas you might have about dragging and dropping, or copying and pasting your playlists or songs from one platform to another need to be let go right now.

The only way to transfer your playlists over, other than going through them track by track, is by using third-party apps. There are many apps and programs that can facilitate this transfer, but three of the major players in the market are SongShift, Soundiiz and Free Your Music.

This guide lays out the basic features and pricing structure for each app, so you can decide which option will serve you best when making the leap as you transfer your Spotify playlists to Apple Music.

SongShift

First up, you will need to download the Songshift app on to your device so you can sign up and get started. The app will have you sign in to your two music accounts, Spotify and Apple Music. 

Next, you can select "Setup Source" before selecting the playlist or playlists you wish to transfer from Spotify to Apple Music. As part of this process, you need to select "Setup Destination" and pick Apple Music as your end source. Then simply hit the "I'm Finished" button and the selected playlists will start transferring right away.

After this, you can select the "Ready For Review" option to check everything has worked as expected. If you spot any mistakes, you can select the correct song manually and select "Confirm Matches" – this allows Songshift to make sure everything is correct in your final output. 

Once all that is done, you should be able to listen to your Spotify playlists in Apple Music.

Pricing: Songshift Pro charges $30 per year (or $7 per month) for individual use – which converts roughly to £24/year or £5.50/month. The Pro version will let you transfer multiple playlists and adds plenty of extra features, such as SpeedMatch (match multiple songs speedily), SongShare (share with friends regardless of which platform they use), SpeedShift (faster transfers), Batch Setup (configure multiple transfers in one go), and more.

Free Your Music

Free Your Music is available to download on the App Store, from where you can install and start using the app right away. The app gives you the ability to transfer music between a variety of music streaming services – there are more than 20 options – and it's relatively simple. Plus, the free version lets you transfer a single playlist of up to 100 songs.

To transfer your Spotify playlists to Apple Music using Free Your Music, open the app and select your source platform, in this case Spotify. Then select the output platform – that'll be Apple Music. Then select the playlists, albums or tracks you want to transfer. Hit confirm and you're done.

Pricing: With Free Your Music's free version, you can transfer one playlist of up to 100 songs. Want to transfer more beyond that? You can pay one upfront fee of £10.99 for the Basic tier (unlimited transfers), or you can opt for an annual £34.99 subscription for the Premium tier, or pay one hefty £174.99 fee for Lifetime access. The last two options add in auto-synchronisation of all playlists and albums, backup to the cloud, rematching incorrect or failed song matches, email support, and many more extra features.

Soundiiz

The Soundiiz app is specifically designed to transfer playlists from Spotify to Apple Music. As such, it is very easy to use and you can start for free. 

Get the app first, then open and select the "Transfer Tool". Sign in to both your Spotify and Apple Music accounts from within this tool. Now select all the playlists you wish to copy over. Confirm the selection and the transfer will begin.

Pricing: Soundiiz's free version will let you move playlists one at a time. If you want to do multiple transfers in batches with more tracks and additional features, then you need to pay for the more Premium offering. The Premium tier costs £36 per year and gets you more tracks per playlist, active sync, metadata and album management, and more.

F.A.Q.

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Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best wireless earbuds around, but they don't often go on sale. Luckily, thanks to Cyber Monday, you can grab a pair for the low price of $190 at Target while supplies last. 

While the Pro 2nd generation model has seen discounts throughout the weekend, prices have now gone back to normal or even sold out in many retailers. This Target deal remains, but be warned that this deal price ends today.

In our five-star AirPods Pro 2 review, we gave them five stars for their detailed, clear sound, excellent noise-canceling, battery life, and impressive iOS integration. If you need some buds, give these a look before it's too late.

• Check out all the best Cyber Monday 2023 deals around

AirPods Pro 2 Cyber Monday deal

In our AirPods Pro 2 review, we gave them five stars and complimented their clear, detailed sound, excellent noise-cancelling and good battery life. If you're in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds and are invested in Apple's ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 are definitely worth a look.

On the design front, the 2nd Gen buds largely mirror their predecessor's design save for the tweaked positioning of the vents and microphones. Apple did, though, build touch controls into the stems which allow you to swipe up or down to change the volume. Apple also added a pair of XS eartips in the box so you now have four to choose from to optimize fit.

Battery life got a bump from 24 hours to 30 but, more importantly, so did noise-cancelling courtesy of a new "low distortion" driver and H2 chip. The original model launched with a charging case that boasted Apple's Lightning connector, but Apple announced a pair with USB-C to complement its iPhone 15 range. And we're pleased to report this version is also included in the Target deal.

Not only is the ANC now among the very best in its class and a rival to the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, but so too is sound quality. All in all, the new AirPods Pro 2 bring multiple improvements to Apple's flagship earbuds and they are great performers at full price. Thanks to this Cyber Monday AirPods deal, they're an even more attractive proposition. 

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Apple’s latest update to its tvOS will add new features, including support for older models of HomePod.

Version 17 of Apple’s tvOS was released in September and introduced FaceTime, VPN support, and an improved Control Center, to name a few fresh additions. Now, tvOS 17.1 is set to provide even more features and improvements.

A new feature of note is the ‘On-Screen Volume Display’, which allows the volume level from external devices like soundbars to be displayed on-screen, rather than just the standard + / - indicators. This is said to be compatible with soundbars and other devices by brands such as LG, Samsung and Sonos.

The ‘Enhance Dialogue’ will be available to first-gen HomePod and HomePod mini users when paired with Apple TV 4K. This feature was previously only available to second-generation HomePod users, so it’s nice to see some of the latest options are not restricted to just the latest model.

‘Enhance Dialogue’ does what you would expect from the name and could be useful if dialogue sounds muddy or you have trouble hearing what characters in your favourite show are saying. The feature is compatible with streaming apps that provide the standard tvOS playback controls, including Disney+, Hulu, and Max.

Another interesting update is the addition of support for the Nintendo 64 Switch controller. This means the controller can be used to play games from Apple Arcade or the app store, and joins existing support for current-gen console and Bluetooth controllers

Apple’s tvOS 17.1 update is said to be available this week, so Apple TV users, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for further news.

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Read our Apple TV 4K (2022) review

Our full Apple HomePod 2 review

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Apple has begun rolling out its latest tvOS software updates to all of its compatible devices. iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 launched on iPhones and iPads last night, and now it's the turn of tvOS 17, which brings plenty of new user interface, picture and sound features to the Apple TV 4K (2022). 

This latest version of the operating system is coming to all generations of Apple TV released since 2015. That includes every generation of Apple TV 4K and the now-discontinued Apple TV HD. Apple has stressed that not every feature will be available for every generation of Apple TV, however seeing an eight-year-old streaming box be updated to the latest software version is impressive no matter how you look at it. 

So what's new? We'll start with picture and sound features as that's what we're most interested in, and unfortunately, it's rather slim pickings this year. While that's not technically the end of the world, as the Apple TV 4K (2022) already looks and sounds mighty fine, we were hoping for a little more in the way of upgrades.

The only real news on the picture front is an update to Dolby Vision 8.1, which Apple itself hasn't shared much about. From what we gather, Dolby Vision 8.1 allows Dolby Vision content to play in HDR10 when connected to displays that don't support it. This is a big win for Samsung TV owners, as the brand still sides with HDR10+ on its sets despite Dolby Vision being the more widely used standard. However, it looks like this is more focused on media server apps and downloaded content and less on streaming. 

There are, thankfully, a few more updates to sound, but they hinge mostly on owning AirPods. The first is shared Spatial Audio, which really does what it says on the tin. It allows you to share Apple's immersive Spatial Audio system across two pairs of AirPods, providing they're compatible with Apple Spatial Audio; that's the AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 3 and AirPods Max. It's worth noting that enabling this will disable dynamic head-tracking audio, so be warned. 

AirPods Pro 2 also gets to use its latest talents with this new tvOS version with Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness. This will allow the AirPods Pro to automatically switch between full ANC and transparency mode, and to lower media volume if it detects a conversation, meaning you won't have to scramble to pause your movie, TV show or music if someone tries talking to you. 

Finally, we have an audio feature that seems somewhat needlessly exclusive to the HomePod 2. Apple has introduced a Dialogue Enhancer mode with tvOS 17, which utilises the second generation HomePod as a centre channel of sorts, in order to separate speech from the background audio. 

That's all for sound and picture upgrades, but thankfully there's more in the way of UI and features. First off, the control centre gets a revamp with a more iOS-centric design. Here you'll find quick access to power, wi-fi and Bluetooth connections, the search function, audio output and a quick way to switch users. 

FaceTime is also making its Apple TV debut with this latest tvOS version, although you'll need an iPhone or iPad in order to take advantage of this feature. You can either start a call on your Apple TV or begin a call on your phone or tablet and then transfer it to the TV via Apple's Handoff feature. You'll then need to set your iPhone or iPad up next to your TV with the rear cameras facing you and voila, FaceTime will be working on the big screen.

Elsewhere there is a litany of smaller features like a "find my remote" function, a plethora of new screensavers, third-party VPN support and updates to Apple Fitness+. 

To download the update, navigate to the settings app on your Apple TV home screen, find the "system" tab and then select "software updates" - your Apple TV should take it from there and upgrade to tvOS 17.

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You might have seen the news that Apple has just launched a new USB-C case for its flagship AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds. 

This means that from today onwards, the AirPods Pro 2 version with a Lightning connector has been officially replaced by the updated AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Case (USB‑C) model. Catchy name, right?

But what's more interesting is that in the UK at least, this new model has a launch price of £229 (pre-orders are now open on the Apple UK website). That's a whole £20 less than what the AirPods Pro 2 originally launched at in September 2022, while in the US the same new model officially costs $249 as before. In fact, the AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning case) are currently at a deal price of £239 at Amazon UK, so the new USB-C-equipped 'Pods are definitely the better bargain overall.

The AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case is available for pre-order now, with shipping starting from 22nd September. If you've waited this long to buy a pair of premium ANC AirPods Pro, then you're getting the best deal yet.

Besides the charging case, which now sports a USB-C connection and is IP54 rated against dust and water, nothing else material has changed about the wireless earbuds themselves. There are a few new features being added thanks to iOS 17 update on Monday 18th September – Adaptive Audio for ANC (a mid-way point between full ANC and Transparency Mode), Conversation Awareness (similar to Sony's Speak-to-Chat) and Personalised Volume (it will learn your volume preferences over time) – but those features will also be available for anyone with the current AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning connector as they share the same H2 chip.

Crucially, current AirPods Pro 2 owners need not worry about any change in sound quality or ANC, as the buds themselves have remained the same. We were impressed by Apple's delivery of clear and spacious detail, natural warmth with voices, snappy timing, newfound levels of punch and power, along with enjoyable dynamics that resulted in our first five-star review for a pair of in-ear AirPods. 

There is one small but potentially significant upgrade: the new AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case will feature a "groundbreaking wireless audio protocol" that makes lossless audio up to 20-bit/48kHz and ultra low latency possible when used with the upcoming Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headset – again, thanks to both using the same H2 chip. This shouldn't affect anyone simply listening to music via smartphone or laptop (it doesn't affect the Bluetooth standard codec), but it's worth noting if you're interested in 2024's Vision Pro VR/AR headset.

We'll be trying out the new iOS 17 features once we take the AirPods Pro for a spin post-software update, but if you've been wondering whether the new AirPods Pro 2 were worth a buy or not, maybe the £20 difference in price could settle your mind.

Then again, Black Friday and Christmas/Boxing Day sales are only a couple of months away...

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

There's one huge audio announcement that Apple didn't mention at the iPhone 15 launch

Check our the best AirPods deals currently around

The Apple September launch event has been and gone, bringing with it a host of new products that will have Apple fans grasping for their wallets in anticipation of getting their hands on the finally unveiled iPhone 15, a new smartwatch or, if money allows, both at once.

I recently wrote about our desire to see more cheap products in the Apple lineup, including a potentially cheaper pair of wireless over-ear headphones to run alongside the excellent premium AirPods Max and more budget wireless earbuds such as the rumoured but still hypothetical AirPods Lite that would skimp a little on features while still providing solid sound and seamless iOS compatibility.

One of the products we were really keen to see unveiled was a sequel to the excellent, Award-winning Apple HomePod Mini. While its bigger brother, the more premium HomePod 2, launched earlier this year, there's been no news of a sequel to this very budget Mini speaker that's now three years old and counting.

The HomePod Mini was released in late 2020, and while some might have scoffed at the idea of Apple making a small-form alternative to the original HomePod smart speaker, the results were deeply impressive. Dinky, dashing and decidedly debonair, the stylish smart speaker won us around in no time with its surprisingly sophisticated, detailed and engaging sound for such a small design. 

Like our desire to see a more budget model of AirPods (the Lite will arrive one day, surely), the HomePod Mini is an integral part of the Apple lineup, not only because of its quality but, more importantly, because of its price. 

Launched at £99 / $99 / AU$149, the Mini remains one of the cheapest products that Apple has ever made, with much of its popularity owing to how affordable it is to a wider market. The number of features and quality you get from our 2022 Award winner is, quite frankly, remarkable. 

To be blunt, we need products like the HomePod Mini to be part of Apple's plans, so we're disconcerted that a no-show could mean a lack of faith in this lower end of the market. The new Apple Watch Ultra 2, for instance, will set you back a whopping $799, whereas the much-anticipated iPhone 15 mirrors that weighty price tag, also clocking in at the £800 / $800 mark. 

That's the value of the HomePod Mini, in that it shows that Apple can make cheaper products for a low cost to a wider market. With the economy the way it is, users are craving Apple products and compatibility without the need to shatter the family piggy bank in the process. The point of the HomePod Mini isn't just that it's a nice option to have; rather, it's a symbolic statement that Apple is committed to a different end of the cost spectrum. It shows that cheaper products can exist at the bottom of the price ladder, rather than everything shifting towards the middle and higher end of that particular spectrum.

If we get a cheaper HomePod model, and customers are receptive to it, it will pave the way for a similar price structure in other market areas, namely smartphones, tablets and, of course, wearable audio. That's better for the consumer, better for the market and, one would expect, better for Apple itself.  

So here's hoping that, even if a release didn't arrive at this month's event and might not even drop before the year is out, we see a reasonably-priced sequel to the Apple HomePod Mini in the very near future. Now, more than ever, it feels like we need one. 

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iPhone 15 is official: release date, price, specs and features

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The iPhone 15 reveal event is less than a week away, and we have already rounded up plenty of rumours and speculation about the next flagship Apple smartphone. This new iPhone lineup, set to succeed the Award-winning iPhone 14 Pro and five-star iPhone 14, should continue the legacy of excellent AV performance that we expect from iPhones. Still, there are a few things we would like to see that would make the iPhone 15 the ultimate smartphone for movies and music.

Now, being realistic, we know that Apple probably won't implement all of these ideas, so consider this more of a wishlist of things that we would include if we were making our own dream iPhone - the iPhone AV perhaps? 

While there have already been some pretty significant upgrades hinted at for this new generation of iPhone, such as the much-anticipated switch to USB-C, thinner bezels and the dynamic island coming to the non-Pro models, these prospective features pertain solely to improving the picture and sound performance on the iPhone 15.

1. Better stereo speakers

Before we begin here, it's worth noting that the iPhone some of the best speakers of any smartphone, if not the best. Sounding richer, more detailed and more dynamic than most Android offerings, Apple has nailed the stereo speaker experience on its smartphones.

However, it could go a step further by upgrading the stereo speaker arrangement, and the iPad Pro is the perfect inspiration. The flat metal edges were first seen on the iPad back in 2018, with the iPhone adopting them in 2020 with the iPhone 12. While the iPad uses this design to effect by using the additional real estate on the edges to house extra speakers, the iPhone instead leaves that top edge unused. Could this be the ideal spot for a proper second set of speakers?

Current iPhones use the earpiece as a second speaker to create a stereo pair, and while this works, we wouldn't exactly call it the most balanced experience. The bottom-firing speakers are noticeably more powerful than the earpiece for example; so we propose a solution. 

We would like to see Apple include a second speaker along the top edge of the device in order to create a more powerful and balanced stereo speaker arrangement. We think that this, paired with the Spatial Audio support already found on the iPhone 14, could make the iPhone 15's speaker performance untouchable.

2. HDR10+ support

Once again, we are turning to another Apple product for inspiration as to how Apple could improve the iPhone's performance. The Apple TV 4K 2022 model received HDR10+ for the first time, so now we reckon it's the iPhone's turn.

Currently, the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, which is ideal for watching content on Apple TV+, Netflix and Disney Plus. However, including HDR10+ will be ideal for watching on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.

This seems like a simple and attainable upgrade, as we have seen plenty of other phones include this feature.

3. 120Hz on all models

We have made our stance very clear on this matter. While the Pro models have had variable refresh rate displays up to 120Hz for many years now, the standard models on the other hand are still using 60Hz displays. Android phones that cost half as much as these devices are outfitted with higher refresh rate displays, so there's no real excuse for Apple not to include one on the iPhone 15.

While Apple will likely argue that the average iPhone user won't see the benefit of a higher refresh rate display, the reality is that it makes everyday operation, gaming and watching content much smoother and more enjoyable. 

Unfortunately, rumours have already begun that point towards a 60Hz display on the standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which means that we may have to wait for the iPhone 16 for this display upgrade. 

4. A 21:9 aspect ratio display

This might be wishful thinking, but humour us. The Sony Xperia 1 V is one of the favourite phones we have tested this year, in part due to its unique aspect ratio. The 21:9 display is perfect for watching movies in their intended aspect ratio with no letterboxing required.

So what if Apple adopted this? Its OLED panels are rich, punchy and sharp, so the only way that we can think to make them even more cinematic would be to expand the aspect ratio. While this would have implications as to how iOS works and the general usability of the device, we can't help but fantasise about an iPhone with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

With the Plus variant iPhones making a grand return last year, Apple could trial this with the iPhone 15 Plus, as the narrower aspect ratio does increase usability on the larger models. In reality, this is a total pipe dream, but we certainly wouldn't be opposed to seeing an iPhone 15 with a 21:9 aspect ratio.

MORE:

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Check out our roundup of iPhone 15 rumours

And our list of the best iPhones

In a week’s time, Apple will announce its iPhone 15 lineup. And if the rumour mill is churning as smoothly as it often does around iPhone launch time, it’s almost as likely to mark the company’s reluctant adoption of USB-C for iPhone to replace its propriety Lightning charging connection. For the uninitiated, this switch is to appease the new EU law requiring phone manufacturers to get on board a common charging connection by the end of 2024 to reduce waste and consumer spending on various cables.

This will of course have implications for iPhone 15 buyers, ranging from the obvious need to own a USB-C cable (which most will already have people spilling out of drawers anyway) to their existing Lightning port-toting adapters and accessories being made either redundant or only usable via an adapter. Apple is likely to continue manufacturing Lightning accessories for the sake of the billion-plus owners of previous iPhone models for some time, so iOS loyals planning to skip this year’s iPhone needn’t worry.

The upside of this switch, of course, is adapter-less compatibility with the wide world of non-Apple (and inevitably incoming Apple-branded) accessories and devices, and likely faster transfer and charging speeds. The thing is, the former could well encourage more iPhone users to benefit from the hi-res audio quality available to them.

Today, hi-res on iPhone is a faff

Currently, as Apple’s standard AAC Bluetooth codec does not support hi-res audio, playing hi-res audio on an iPhone, via Apple Music or any other means, can only be effectively achieved by plugging an external DAC (which typically has a USB-A or USB-C output) into its Lightning port – via, and this is important, Apple’s Lightning-to-USB camera adapter. I say ‘effectively achieved’ because an iPhone’s own internal digital-to-analogue converter and audio output technically supports hi-res audio itself, but a) the limit is 24-bit/48kHz, below the sample rate common for hi-res streams and digital files (96-192kHz), and b) internal DACs in such everyday devices are always going to be lower in quality than a dedicated external one, so it wouldn’t do proper justice to that hi-res music anyway.

OK so back to the effective method. Picture it: you have your swanky iPhone 14 or 13 or whatever, with a 10cm-or-so camera adapter dangling from it as well as a (discreet, in the best scenario) dongle DAC. Impractical and visually criminal enough to put plenty of people off trying it? I’d imagine so. Would those who are toying with the idea of boosting their portable sound quality through wired headphones by investing in a budget DAC also be prepared to spend an extra 30 per cent of that cost getting the necessary Apple camera adapter too? For many, I’d imagine not. Put both impractical and financial drawbacks to such an arrangement together and, unless you’re dead-set on getting serious on-the-go sound from your iPhone, the appeal is questionable to say the least.

Apple could have made an iPhone hi-res setup more attractive by producing its own dedicated, fully hi-res-supporting dongle DAC with a Lightning connector that plugged straight into an iPhone, but considering it would’ve only made sense to do so after Apple Music had adopted hi-res streaming in 2021, that idea (if it was even an idea inside Apple Park) would’ve been dead in the water with a forced switch to USB-C possibly looming.

Goodbye, adaptor

So will Apple now work on a slim USB-C DAC dongle in the same vein as the Astell&Kern HC3 that supports hi-res up to 24-bit/192kHz and really will give the iPhone 15 a big boost in sound quality? Possibly. Much less likely is Apple vastly improving the iPhone’s DAC and audio output stage to the extent that it fully does justice to hi-res audio without any extra hardware. After all, such an effort would be wasted for those glued to wireless headphones or who use wired headphones but don’t care about sound quality enough, and where would the financial incentive be, too?

But even if it stays out of the external DAC game, an iPhone 15 wouldn’t need any adaptor to work with the current crop of third-party USB-C DACs, a market which I can only see getting bigger following an iPhone with USB-C announcement. That is, if Apple allows other manufacturers to play ball with iPhone 15s from a software and power current point of view. 

Without the need for a camera adaptor, playing hi-res on an iPhone would require just one ‘add on’ and one purchase – just as the case is for Android phones today. And that could see many more future iPhone users willing to take full advantage of their Apple Music subscription and ‘go hi-res’. Until we all live in a world with portless charging and hi-res Bluetooth codecs, anyway.

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Tidal has confirmed to What Hi-Fi? the streaming playback hierarchy now that hi-res FLAC files have been added to its library.

When Tidal CEO Jesse Dorogusker announced in April that the service would add hi-res FLAC streaming to the existing hi-res MQA streaming catalogue, he stated that Tidal was “choosing FLAC as our preferred format for high-resolution audio” over its MQA-powered Masters. It makes sense, considering FLAC is an open-source format whereas MQA requires specific hardware decoding to unlock its optimum quality and is therefore not as accessible. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that preference for FLAC (or 'HiRes FLAC', as it's being called) is now being reflected in the service's playback priority.

Currently, HiRes FLAC (FLAC streams with a 24-bit/48-192kHz bitrate) is supported by Tidal's iOS, Android, desktop and web applications, with support for Tidal Connect, Chromecast and Sonos due to follow later this year. The playback hierarchy through these supported applications is as follows: HiRes FLAC > MQA > standard FLAC > ACC. That is also the case if an MQA-supporting DAC is used within the audio set-up so long as Tidal is in exclusive mode (whereby Tidal itself determines the output preference).

As Tidal Connect supports MQA, the playback hierarchy for now is MQA if available, or standard FLAC if not available. Presumably, HiRes FLAC will be the preference for Connect playback when support is eventually added. The Sonos and Chromecast platforms do not support MQA and so will only support hi-res streaming via FLAC.

Earlier this month, Tidal initiated the rollout of its HiRes FLAC library, delivering six million hi-res FLAC streams to subscribers of its HiFi Plus tier via the majority of its applications.

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Streaming service Netflix, still adamant to turn itself into a multi-platform entertainment service with the introduction of game streaming, has announced which devices will support its latest endeavour; and there appears to be one glaring omission. 

Starting in the UK and Canada, Netflix has begun rolling out a limited beta testing programme for its new game streaming section to Amazon Fire TV streaming devices, Google Chromecast with Google TV, LG TVs, Samsung TVs, Nvidia Shield TVs, Roku streaming devices and TVs, and Walmart ONN TVs (in the US and Canada). Support for PC and Mac is also set to arrive in the coming week via Netflix.com on supported browsers. 

You'll notice that the Apple TV 4K is not included on that list, and that's due to Apple's regulations regarding game streaming services from within other catalogue apps; it does, however, allow game streaming from specified game streaming apps. Prior to this, Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming service was removed from the App Store due to Apple's policies, although users can still access it if they go via the website instead. 

Netflix hasn't ruled out support on the Apple TV, however, as it plans to add support for "additional devices on an ongoing basis". That being said, it will likely also rely on some cooperation from Apple to make it happen. 

Currently, you are able to download Netflix's selection of games to your iOS or Android mobile devices, however, if you want to play them on your PC or TV, you'll need to stream them. While you can use a keyboard and mouse on a PC, you'll need the Netflix Games Controller app to play the games on your TV which, ironically, is currently only available on iOS. 

The selection of games is currently rather slim in this beta trial, with just two available titles. You'll find Oxenfree, a 2016 indie title from Night School Studio which has since been acquired by Netflix, and Molehew’s Mining Adventure, an arcade-style gem mining game. More titles will, of course, be added in the future as the service grows.

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The best over-ear headphones around just got even better. Sony has taken some of the best features from its brilliant new WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds and shoved them into its Award-winning WH-1000XM5 over-ear model via a firmware update.

The WH-1000XM5 gain head-tracking for spatial audio content, plus the ability to stream Sony's higher-quality LDAC audio codec while maintaining a Bluetooth Multipoint connection. If that's all gobbledegook to you, let us explain.

The head-tracking element of spatial audio essentially tethers the sound to your device, so if you're watching a film on your phone or tablet and turn your head to the side, the audio stays anchored to the screen. Admittedly it's not that useful for movies, as the point is you watch the screen the whole time. But for games that use augmented reality, it can make the experience a lot more engrossing. The WH-1000XM5s already supported the 360 Reality Audio spatial tracks you get on Tidal and Deezer, but the head-tracking feature is brand new.

Sony's LDAC audio codec lets you stream audio up to 32-bit/96kHz over Bluetooth at up to 990kbps data transmission rates – that's higher quality than more traditional codecs like AAC and SBC. Multipoint, meanwhile, lets you wirelessly connect your headphones to two devices at once and switch between them seamlessly, so if you're listening to music on your phone you can switch to a Zoom call on your laptop the minute it comes in with no need to re-pair your headphones.

Previously, the WH-1000XM5 made you choose between LDAC or Bluetooth Multipoint, but the new firmware update lets you connect over the latter while enjoying the former.

The firmware update is available now through Sony's Headphones Connect app on iOS and Android.

The WF-1000XM5 earbuds launched this week as a real step on from their XM4 predecessors. As well as better noise cancelling and a smaller, lighter design, Sony has overhauled the sonic profile for a more analytical, detailed performance. You can see how they compare to other wireless earbuds in our versus features below.

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Sony WF-1000XM5 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: which premium earbuds are better?

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Sony and Apple are two of the biggest players in the wireless earbuds market right now. Apple with its AirPods ubiquity and terrific integration with iOS hardware; Sony with its incredible track record of delivering fantastic sound quality with its recent headphones.

Sony's current flagship wireless earbuds, the WF-1000XM5, have made quite the five-star impression. With a streamlined design, improved noise-cancelling, more user-friendly features and an impressive new sound signature, they're the most accomplished pair Sony has made yet.

Apple's flagship AirPods Pro 2nd Generation are the first in-ear AirPods model to get a five-star review from our review team; such is the musical talent on display. They have excellent features, work intuitively with iPhones and deliver a spacious, dynamic sound that is easy and entertaining to listen to.

We wouldn't hesitate to recommend both; in fact, both buds feature on our official list of the best wireless earbuds. So how do these two flagship models fare against each other? Both models offer different features, a different design and a different sonic profile, and we've tried and tested all these aspects to find out which offers the best performance for your money.

Price

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: price

Apple surprised us when the new AirPods Pro 2 with Lightning connector launched in September 2022 at the exact same £249 / $249 / AU$399 pricing as the original Pro pair (which launched in 2019). They surprised us even more when 2023's version of the AirPods Pro 2nd generation with the USB-C connector launched at a lower price in the UK for £229. The earbuds themselves are the same, but the charging case with the USB-C model is the current official one sold through Apple. Both versions, however, can still be bought at various retailers across all territories, often at decent discounts. 

The Sony WF-1000XM5 are a tad pricier than the AirPods Pro 2, launching in August 2023 for £259 / $299 / AU$419. It's not the hugest price difference by far, and we've seen the Sony's price drop down to £219 during the holiday shopping season. But if you're counting your pennies (and this is still admittedly a significant amount to pay for a pair of wireless earbuds) and want the best deal right now, the AirPods Pro 2 just about edge it over the XM5 in pure price terms.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

Design & comfort

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: design and comfort

Here's where it gets interesting, because the Sony and AirPods subscribe to completely different design profiles. The XM5 have a fully rounded body that nestles in your ear's concha fully, while Apple's bud-and-stem design for its AirPods is now iconic and much-imitated.

Both have merits and quibbles, and a huge chunk of your decision on which pair to buy will start with which design fits you better. We find both the XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 to be a comfortable fit and easy to wear over long listening periods. Both models come with four sizes of eartips in the box (XS, S, M, L) to cover a wider range of ears, too. However, the same views aren't shared by all: some on the What Hi-Fi? team don't get along with the AirPods' design, while others have found the Sony XM5 to be not quite as secure a fit as they'd like. It really depends on your personal preference (and the shape of your ears!). We'd recommend using the handy ear-tip fit test in the accompanying app settings to ensure you've got the best seal for fit and sound. 

We can't find fault with the build quality, however, as being premium flagship buds, both are made to a high standard. Apple's all-white-only finish is neat and sturdy, while the XM5's newly glossy finish is sleek and feels more premium than before.

The AirPods Pro 2 are smaller and lighter (each bud weighs 5.3g compared to the XM5's 5.9g), but we have to applaud Sony for making the XM5 approximately 20 per cent lighter and approximately 25 per cent smaller than the older WF-1000XM4. It makes a huge difference to the new, slimmer profile and they don't protrude out of the ears as much, either.

The charging case for Sony has been reduced in size too. Apple's is very pocketable as well, and has nifty features like a speaker that emits chimes to indicate charging or when using precision finding to locate them, a lanyard loop and the ability to engrave a Memoji onto it. Sony is less frivolous, but it does offer the XM5 in more colour options: black and silver.

• I love the Sony WF-1000XM5 but there’s one thing I would change (and it isn’t the noise-cancelling)

What about controls? Apple finally added on-ear volume controls to its AirPods line with the Pro 2nd generation, which involves swiping up or down on the touch-capacitive stems. You can also pinch those stems to swap between ANC and Transparency modes (or switch off entirely), skip tracks, play/pause, accept calls, summon Siri and more. 

Sony XM5, meanwhile, houses all touch controls on buds, and you can adjust playback, sound modes and volume all at the same time through various taps on the buds. You can configure this all through the Sony Headphones Connect app and we find all controls are responsive, just as they are on the AirPods Pro 2. You can also use gestures (shake or nod your head) to accept or reject an incoming phone call on the XM5, which works well but might make you feel rather ridiculous.

For the slightly more premium design and extra features and colours, we'll give this round to the Sony XM5, but we can't stress enough just how seamless the AirPods Pro 2 are to use, especially with iOS devices.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5**

Features

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: features

Many of Apple's key features found in the AirPods Pro 2 are locked into its own ecosystem: if you have an iPhone and use Apple Music to stream tunes, you'll get the very best results out of the Pro 2. These include the various customisation features you can adjust through the iPhone's settings, the near-instant pairing, Audio Sharing (the ability to play audio simultaneously through two sets of AirPods), FindMy location, Siri voice control and playing spatial audio with dynamic head tracking when listening to Dolby Atmos tracks in Apple Music. Compatibility with Android devices is much better than before, but users don't quite get the full complement of flagship features.

That's not the case with the Sony XM5, whose detailed Headphones Connect app is fully furnished with all customisation options for both Apple and Android users. There are a handful of XM5 features that are locked into specific services and devices, though, mainly where they concern 360 Reality Audio and LDAC codec compatibility. 

Sony’s own 360 Reality Audio immersive tracks (an alternative to Apple's Spatial Audio) are available on streaming services such as Tidal and Deezer, but the XM5 now adds Head Tracking abilities for the first time, although this new feature is only available to Android users.

The Sony XM5 also continue to support Sony's own LDAC format, which allows hi-res audio files up to 32-bit/96kHz to be transmitted at data rates of up to 990kbps – that's higher than standard SBC or AAC codecs, or aptX HD (Sony doesn't support any aptX codecs). Note that this only works when streamed over Bluetooth from a compatible source, such as Sony Walkmans, select Android phones and portable hi-res players.

Additionally, the XM5 use Sony's DSEE Extreme audio processor to upscale low-bitrate music to near hi-res quality. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 2 still don't support any higher-quality codecs, sticking with the standard Bluetooth codecs despite Apple Music offering lossless 24-bit tracks. We found during our test that this doesn't diminish the sound quality of Apple's performance, however, as you'll see in the Sound quality section below.

Outside of that, Sony brings back plenty of features we enjoyed in the XM4 for all. Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention return, which drops the volume or pauses songs to let you have a conversation without removing the buds entirely. The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have a similar Conversation Awareness mode, and both buds pause playback of any song when an earbud is removed, and resume playing when placed back in. 

It's no surprise both these flagship wireless earbuds are packed with the very best and latest features, but by offering a more agnostic approach for all users, Sony wins this round.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5**

Battery life

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: Battery life

Battery life on the Sony WF-1000XM5 buds lasts an impressive eight hours on a single charge with ANC turned on, with a total of 24 hours available with the charging case. There's been no increase here: these are the same battery life numbers as the older XM4 model and that might be disappointing for those wanting more – but it's competitive at this level.

The AirPods Pro 2 offer six hours in the buds by comparison, but you get a longer 30 hours in total from the charging case. Those extra hours will no doubt come in handy for longer journeys (and save us from having to charge up the buds too frequently). Both buds support wireless and wired charging. Just make sure to check with Apple charging case version you're buying: it's the 2022 model for the Lightning connector, and the recent 2023 model for the USB-C connection.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

• Apple, I owe you an apology about the AirPods Pro 2

Call quality

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: Call quality

One of the biggest acoustic design changes Apple made in the AirPods Pro 2 was to reposition the mics and vents for improved airflow. This affected the effectiveness of ANC and overall sound quality, as well as call quality. The inward-facing mic was also redesigned, with voice enhancement algorithms added in to ensure your voice sounds more natural when on a call – and it certainly does so during our tests.

In the new XM5, Sony has done even more work to ensure clearer voice call quality, especially in windy environments. The design itself incorporates a wind noise reduction structure, an AI machine learning-enhanced noise reduction engine that helps maintain clarity, and there's even a bone conduction sensor that detects when you're speaking. Phew.

All that means is that, in practice, wind noise is greatly subdued and our voice sounds very detailed and clear to the person on the other line, even more so than when using the AirPods Pro 2 in similarly busy and windy conditions when outdoors.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5**

ANC

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: noise-cancellation

Both Apple and Sony have promised to improve noise-cancelling over their previous generations and they succeed to our ears. For Sony, a new integrated processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling processor QN2e aim to reduce outside noise by a 20 per cent improvement over the XM4. The WF-1000XM5 has three mics rather than two on each bud and focuses on reducing low-frequency noise even more.

With Apple, it promises ANC that's twice as effective over the original Pro model. The new H2 chip powering the AirPods Pro 2 combines with the new 'optimised' placement of the acoustic vents and mic that improves airflow, to deliver a more comfortable noise-cancelling effect.

Both earbuds offer an effective dimming of outside noise when ANC is activated. Background noise is reduced to a mere murmur on the AirPods Pro 2, while XM5 manages to suppress just a bit more low-level noise when outdoors. Both also offer an Aware/Transparency mode that lets you be more aware of your surroundings.

You can adjust the level of Ambient noise in the XM5, and Sony additionally offers an Adaptive Sound Control feature. This learns and adjusts the level of noise-cancelling and ambient sound depending on how you use them and in which locations you regularly visit. It's a clever bit of technology that's worth investigating.

Apple has a slightly different approach by offering Adaptive Audio, which adjusts the level of ANC dynamically in response to real-time noise levels in your surrounding area. It's a nice blend of full ANC and Transparency Mode (especially when it still won't allow us to manually adjust the level of ANC), and we find it's nicely reactive and effective.

We also like how Apple and Sony offer less of that vacuum-like feeling that you normally hear in ANC buds – the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more 'airy' feeling when ANC is deployed than the XM5, so that's one to consider if you're after a more subtle noise-cancelling effect. However, those wanting a more severe silencer would be better served by the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5 (just)**

Sound quality

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: sound quality

Here comes the real difference-maker: sound. The AirPods Pro 2 are the first in-ear Apple buds to earn five stars from us, and enthusiastically so. It's a far more grown-up, rhythmically adept and powerful sound than we've heard before from the AirPods line. Apple's intention was to deliver the excellent premium AirPods Max over-ear headphones sound in a pocketable form, and has done so with success in the Pro 2. It's a neutral sound profile, with natural clarity and warmth to voices, all peppered with greater weight, detail and more dynamic subtlety. 

Inside each bud is a custom low-distortion, high-excursion driver, and the aforementioned repositioned vents go a long way in adding a more open, airy sense of space. It's a very likeable and engaging sound from the start, with richness and a great sense of drive and agility – we actually preferred these aspects in the AirPods Pro 2 compared with our old Sony XM4 favourites. 

But how do they compare with the new Sony WF-1000XM5? Sony uses a completely new driver here, called Dynamic Driver X, which is larger (8.4mm compared to 6.4mm on the older XM4) and uses two different materials for the high and low frequencies. Sony says the larger size means the driver doesn't need to move as much as the smaller driver, which helps reduce mechanical noise. 

Sonically, the XM5 are terrifically accomplished. There's a stupendous sense of power and drive, the timing is spot-on, and dynamic shifts are handled with subtlety and aplomb in equal measure. The edges of notes are precisely and crisply delivered, making easy work of more complex arrangements (Radiohead, Rachmaninov) while also delivering plenty of nuance and texture in a sombre Nick Cave track.

There is a newfound level of detail that's really quite special. The XM5 are more analytical than any other earbud we've heard, and it's an approach that might come at the expense of fluid musicality that might be preferable to some. Having spent plenty of time with the XM5 now, we would also highlight that these buds do become more dynamic and engaging over time – the more running in/listening time they get, the better they perform. 

Additionally, the XM5 show a tremendous sense of control and authority, with a larger sound and more weight to the bass. The AirPods Pro 2 still have plenty of energy and their less demanding presentation makes for an easier listen, but the treble is a touch rolled off in comparison and they can't quite reach the same heights as the new XM5. 

While the AirPods Pro 2 are still an enjoyable, fun and easy-to-listen pair, the XM5 are a clear step ahead when it comes to outright clarity, detail resolution and precision.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5**

• I spoke to Apple to find out the secret behind the AirPods Pro 2’s audio success

Verdict

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: verdict

If it's the absolute best-sounding wireless earbuds you want for your money, the answer is clear: the Sony WF-1000XM5's sonic performance really impressed us, snagging a 2023 What Hi-Fi? Award win and raising the bar for what you can expect from a pair of earbuds.

The XM5 have a greater set of features that work for a wider range of devices, too, but we can't emphasise enough how the AirPods Pro 2 offer a convincing, seamless performance for those that are locked into the iOS ecosystem. The fit, features set and noise-cancelling are generally on par across the board with both models; it just depends on which flavour appeals to your preferences. The Apple buds are the (slightly) cheaper pair, but both buds can be snagged at decent discounts at various moments throughout the year.

If you're able to plumb for the very best performance at this premium price range, however, the Sony XM5 won't disappoint at all.

**Overall winner: Sony WF-1000XM5**

MORE:

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

And our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Want the best sound from the XM5? Here are 5 sound settings you shouldn't ignore

Looking for an alternative? These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy

I spoke to Sony's audio experts about how they tune the WF-1000XM5 earbuds' stunning sound

I'll admit it – I've got AirPods envy. All I want is a pair of Apple's iconic wireless earbuds, but it seems I can't have them.

Why do I want them? For one, those distinctive white stems are now so ubiquitous that I can't remember the last time I had a conversation with someone who didn't have them sticking out of their ears. Obviously, I'd hope they'd stopped playing their tunes while I was talking to them (hard to tell sometimes), but my eyes are drawn to people's ears these days rather than their eyes – because I can't stop myself from jealously admiring the smooth, clean white stems and the seemingly great fit they provide while being the perfect audio partner to those folk's iOS devices. Secondly, I am an iOS user with an almost-latest model iPhone, and I want a pair of affordable, Apple-branded Bluetooth in-ears to go with it (I spent all my cash on said phone). 

But this is denied to me, because Apple's buds simply refuse to fit my earholes.

The company's distinct earbuds design, that to me resembles an alien hairdryer (do aliens have hair? Antennae-dryer perhaps?), has been much the same since the wired versions that came boxed with a new iPhone or iPod similarly failed to fit my ears.

I can't believe I'm alone with this, either. I mean, just look at them – these things don't appear as though they'd fit anyone's lugs well enough to provide a good seal. On the contrary, they seem to me to be the opposite of an ergonomic design, unlike, say, the more sensible bullet-shape of a pair of Cambridge's Melomania buds. And yet I feel like a total freak because it seems that everyone but me gets on with the AirPods’ shape like a house on fire, including every other member of my family (whose AirPods, to add insult to injury, I bought for them).

Ear today...

A recent attempted purchase of a pair of Airpods for myself didn't work out, of course. I'd convinced myself that my earlugs might somehow have become more Airpods-shaped since I last attempted to use a pair of Apple's buds. But sure enough, like a particularly stupid baby trying to force a square into the round hole of a shape-sorter, the Airpods sat in my ears and played tinny music unless I put my fingers in my ears to secure the seal. No bass to be heard, and consequently the longest bus ride ever. 

The AirPods 2 went back to the Apple Store (who were very nice about it) at the next opportunity; yet still I declined to be upsold to some AirPods Pro with the promise of different interchangeable tips. Why? First off, I refuse to pay a premium because my ears are apparently wrong; and secondly I fear that those Pro tips will also fail to provide a seal, and I haven't got the cash to chance it. At £169 / $179 / AU$279, the price at which we tested them, the AirPods 3 are pricey enough; £249 / $249 / AU$399 for the AirPods Pro 2 just feels a little too steep.

According to Apple's designers around the time the latest iteration came about, in 2012, the bud is the shape it is to "fit the geometry of the ear". But I refute the idea that one size could possibly fit all – and is it fair to some users that it doesn't? 

My bus ride with the latest ’Pods tantalisingly offered everything I want from a pair of earbuds – seamless integration and pairing with my iPhone 13, convenience and ease, intuitive touch controls and more. Everything except sound, due to the lack of bass resulting from a poor in-ear seal.

I can't possibly be alone, can I? Surely Apple could provide a choice of tips with the standard models, rather than tax the weird-eared among us by forcing us to go Pro. I can only dream that one day the AirPods might finally see a kind redesign, or at least the inclusion of a choice of different tips at that level. Until then, if I'm staring at your ears, don't think me rude.

MORE:

What is Apple Adaptive Audio? The new AirPods feature explained

AirPods tips: how to reset, clean and get the most from your Apple headphones

If this iPhone 15 rumour is true then you can count me out

French hi-res music-streaming service Qobuz has a particularly bon marché on at the moment, with 50 per cent off for two months. Added to the 30-day free trial that’s available to new subscribers, that’s three months for the price of one. Bargain.

The offer applies to a Qobuz Studio Solo subscription, which would normally set you back £12.99 a month but thanks to the deal is just £6.50 – a handy saving on the monthly price of Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music et al. There’s no long commitment either, so there’s nothing to stop you from cancelling as soon as your three months are up.

You'll want to get in there quickly, though; the offer expires on 12th July.

• In the US? Get three months for only $13
• In Australia? Get three months for just AU$20 

As well as offering access to over 100 million tracks in CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and hi-res (FLAC 24-bit up to 192 kHz), Qobuz also publishes its own reviews, profiles and other editorial content that should give you something to read while you listen, whether that's via its website, iOS, Android, Windows and Mac apps, or through hardware from the likes of B&O, Bowers & Wilkins, Bluesound, Cambridge Audio, Naim, Samsung and Sonos. Qobuz is also available on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but we don’t recommend reading while you’re driving.

Offline listening is also available on Qobuz, and if you’re migrating from another platform it’s possible to transfer your playlists using Soundiiz.com, so you can carry on listening without a hitch.

In our original Qobuz review, we praised the sound quality of its CD-quality streams, even if we found there were some gaps in its catalogue compared to rival services. While Tidal does sound very slightly better, this deal makes Qobuz a much cheaper option for a few months, especially if the rumours of a Tidal price hike come to fruition.

Again, you can’t hang around if you want to take advantage either, as it’s only running until 12th July.

MORE:

Qobuz launches a subscribers-only social platform to bring music lovers and audiophiles together

Quick! Act now and get 4 months of Amazon Music Unlimited, absolutely free

Best music streaming services 2023: free streams to hi-res audio

Following the announcement in April that Tidal would be adding hi-res FLAC streams to its catalogue, the music streaming service’s CEO has now confirmed the roll-out has begun.

Jesse Dorogusker took to Reddit to confirm that streams in FLAC – an open-source format – in up to 24-bit/192kHz quality are now available to Tidal’s Early Access Program (EAP) users on iOS. If that is you, simply update your beta app and select 'Max' quality in the new ‘Audio & Playback’ settings.

But if you aren’t part of the program, don’t fret – availability for other HiFi Plus subscribers isn’t far behind, with Dorogusker stating that it’ll be added for “all HiFi Plus users in August”. As close as five weeks away, then.

Dorogusker said the service currently has “over six million tracks” available in hi-res FLAC and is “actively working with distributors, labels, and artists to add more content in this format every day”. So, presumably by August, that figure will have increased. Amazon’s hi-res Music HD service has 'over seven million' hi-res FLAC songs.

Tidal already has over 100 million CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) FLAC streams in its library for its HiFi and HiFi Plus subscribers to enjoy, so this expansion of FLAC support into the hi-res realm will logically round out its catalogue and make its hi-res tier more accessible than ever before.

Dorogusker's latest statement doesn't give a specific update on Tidal’s current MQA-powered streams – which have seen the service offer a hi-res audio streaming option to subscribers since 2017 – but in line with his previous announcement, he reiterated that it will “continue to support multiple formats to make sure we have as much hi-res content as possible”. So no change there, then – MQA technology will continue to be supported (if it does indeed continue to exist following the recent news that it has entered administration). Dorogusker did, however, state that Tidal is “choosing FLAC as our preferred format for high-resolution audio”.

The CEO has promised to give an update next month on “how the beta is going”, plus “some insight on additional changes we’re looking to make”, so Tidal subscribers could have more (or improved) features to look forward to. 

The full statement from Jesse Dorogusker is below:

"HiFi Plus subscribers have always had access to our highest-resolution audio, and now we are offering hi-resolution content in FLAC format, up to 24-bit, 192kHz. Try it now by updating your beta app, and selecting "Max" quality in the new Audio & Playback settings screen. We appreciate your excitement and want to hear from you before rolling it out more broadly.

"We’re choosing FLAC as our preferred format for high-resolution audio, and we’ll continue to support multiple formats to make sure we have as much hi-res content as possible. It’s open source, allowing greater access for artists and fans, and aligns with TIDAL’s support for open platforms. Pairing accessibility with best-in-class audio quality directly aligns with our purpose of empowering artists to run thriving businesses in the economy. 

"Starting today, there are over 6 million tracks available to stream in HiRes FLAC. We're actively working with distributors, labels, and artists to add more content in this format every day.

"I’ll be back next month to share more on how the beta is going, plus give some insight into additional changes we’re looking to make. And don’t worry, if you aren’t a part of our EAP, you’ll be able to experience HiRes FLAC soon — we’re going to be adding it for all HiFi Plus users in August."

MORE:

Meanwhile, we're still waiting for CD-quality Spotify Hi-Fi streaming

Hi-res upgrade could make Tidal the audiophile’s choice – but there’s still one big problem

Hi-res music streaming services compared: which should you subscribe to?

High-resolution audio: everything you need to know

MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC: all the audio file formats explained

This year’s WWDC 2023 was a strange one. Aside from the legions of Apple evangelists enthusiastically presenting within the company’s sparse, futuristic HQ, the showcase of Apple’s latest and supposedly greatest innovations was both startlingly run-of-the-mill and strikingly off the wall.

Split almost into two segments, the first stage dealt mainly with everything new across Apple’s established products and software: upgrades to iOS, new tweaks to the iPad, another Macbook, not to mention good news for AirPods Pro 2 wearers courtesy of Adaptive Audio noise cancelling. The second then veered off into a futuristic (some would say dystopian) vision in which the human race walks around with a large eye mask strapped to their eyes at all times as though they’ve just returned from a ski holiday and forgotten to remove their visor.

This, of course, was the new Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset, and it promised to revolutionise your world with its adaptable augmented reality, virtual cinema screen and the ability to access things like photos and videos through an immersive, interactive medium. For all my inclinations to be cynical, there could be an application for the Vision Pro, especially with regard to its potential as a home cinema alternative. The ability to expand your virtual screen at will, for example, looked like a fantastic application for the space-restricted cinema lover.

Crucially, the Vision Pro also comes equipped with spatial audio, meaning the headset places sound all over your room (or seems to) to provide even greater immersion during your respective activities. Waves of the ocean will crash behind you on a pirate ship, you’ll experience a live music performance with the speakers just as they are in real life, and you can even use spatial audio on FaceTime so that your nan appears to be speaking from the left side of your living room rather than melding into a single blob of sound somewhere in the middle.

That last FaceTime example, by the way, was explicitly teased during the showcase, but I admit that I’m baffled as to why I’d want to experience spatial audio on a FaceTime call. It’s a neat little addition, sure, but rarely have I been on any form of voice call and wished that the various channels of speech were more separated spatially. That implementation, at least, just doesn’t seem necessary.

I will say now that I actually love the whole concept of spatial audio, and having experienced it with Apple Music and seen its potential applications for things like cinema and gaming especially, an immersive spatial audio bolstered by VR or AR technology could be a cool thing. The usual reservations, however, keep cropping back up, and they do so whenever I see a shiny image of a grinning model looking like something from The Fly, a multi-thousand dollar headset strapped to their noggin as they watch shows exclusively drawn from the Apple TV+ canon. 

The real joy of spatial audio is the audio aspect, and we can, and indeed do, have that technology implemented in the world of audio courtesy of companies like Qualcomm and Dolby. Spatial audio for movies works excellently, and having a truck race past you in, say, Uncharted 4 when wearing a 3D Audio headset is brilliant. It’s just the whole wearable virtual and augmented reality thing with which I take issue.

The truth may be, sadly, that people like me just refuse to warm to the wacky world of augmented and virtual reality headsets, just as we have continually failed to be impressed by cinema’s multiple attempts to make 3D a viable proposition. VR has been tried before and it keeps struggling (Sony’s road with its PlayStation VR headsets is often rocky), mainly because people don’t want to pay to wear clunky and expensive tech that’s uncomfortable at home and looks stupid in public – just look at the monumentally daft Dyson Zone air filter headphones. In the choice between looking like a budget version of Bane from The Dark Knight Rises or Cyclops from the original X-Men, I don’t think anyone would choose either.

In fact, WWDC showed a happy user wearing their expensive headset while flying on an actual plane. Really? You expect me to leave the house with this thing and take it on holiday (thus defeating the purpose of the headset and/or my holiday)? I don’t ever want to bear the ignominy of being asked, “Did you pack this augmented reality headset yourself, sir?” or else find myself missing a chance to strap on an oxygen mask because I’m engrossed in an AR episode of Ted Lasso.

Expensive, by the way, is a well-earned adjective. The new Apple Vision Pro will set you back around $3499 (around £2500), a price I am not willing to pay for what I can’t help but feel is just another attempt to get the world excited about a tech it refuses to fully adopt. Spatial audio is certainly a factor in making me want a Vision Pro, but I’d rather experience its magic while watching a movie on my TV or listening to my favourite pair of headphones, rather than forking out thousands of pounds for what I can’t help but feel, ultimately, may be another non-starter for VR. I’m happy to be proven wrong, but spatial audio’s excellence in other formats and on other platforms means its inclusion with Apple Vision Pro isn’t enough to tempt me to don a mask and part with a large chunk of my yearly salary. I just can’t see it happening.

MORE: 

What is Apple Adaptive Audio? The new AirPods feature explained

SharePlay in cars and AirPlay in hotels is great – but I wanted more Apple audio news at WWDC 2023

Apple Music Classical: release date, price, hi-res, spatial audio and first impressions

Apple's new Adaptive Audo feature for AirPods Pro 2 is now officially available. Thanks to the latest iOS 17 software update (which went live on 18th September 2023), the AirPods Pro 2nd generation earbuds (both Lightning and new USB-C case versions) now benefit from this new ANC mode.

We first heard about the technology at Apple WWDC 2023, before receiving confirmation of its arrival at the recent September iPhone 15 launch event. 

What is Apple Adaptive Audio?

As the name suggests, Adaptive Audio is a sort of hybrid listening experience that gives you a mix of Transparency Mode and full ANC to provide the best of both listening technologies in one place. It was one of the most interesting features announced at Apple's September 2023 event and is now available for the AirPods Pro 2 wireless earbuds, once users update to the latest iOS 17 software.

When turned on, Adaptive Audio will "dynamically blend" both noise technologies to take into account external factors. According to Apple, the new mode "seamlessly tailors the noise control experience while users move between environments and interactions that are constantly changing throughout the day". 

This feels somewhat similar to what we've experienced with Sony WF-1000XM5's Adaptive Sound Control and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II's Aware Mode with ActiveSense, both of which dynamically adjust the level of ANC according to the noise in your surrounding environment.

Apple Adaptive Audio first impressions

Apple's version doesn't let you manually change the settings of Adaptive Audio or let you tell it which location you're currently in, but it is nice to finally get an option that isn't just ANC on or off. 

For AirPods Pro 2 users that regularly use the noise-cancelling feature, this new mode does offer a greater degree of flexibility and, in our brief time since the new feature was activated, it worked well for us. 

It responded and adjusted to our surroundings – high street traffic noise, the rumble of a train, a quiet home office – and damped down enough noise (or didn't reduce noise at all in quiet moments) to cater to your surroundings. 

It'll be interesting to see (well, hear) how well this feature works over time and over different noise environments.

Testing Apple's Conversation Awareness

Another feature that was teased and is now official is "Conversation Awareness", which lowers the volume of your music and background noise automatically when you start talking to someone while having the AirPods Pro 2 still in your ears. 

Again, this was a much-requested feature similar to Sony's Speak-To-Chat. In practice, we found this works pretty well, with the AirPods Pro detecting when we were speaking and gradually fading music out (and then back) during a short conversation. 

Crucially, compared with Sony's version, it didn't immediately kick into gear when we coughed or started singing along to a song. That's a bonus in our minds.

Also available via the iOS 17 update is personalised volume mode, which harnesses machine learning to 'learn' what volume you normally listen to depending on your environment and automatically fine-tunes the sound to these preferences. We'll need more time with this new feature to see how well it works, but it could be useful for those who transition between various noisy environments during their day while wearing the AirPods, negating the need to adjust the volume manually. That's the theory, at least. 

Thanks to iOS 17 you can also use the AirPods' updated touch controls to mute or unmute yourself quickly on any AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd Gen) or AirPods Max model while on a call. Just press the stem on AirPods or press the Digital Crown dial on the AirPods Max for this new muting feature.

All told, Apple Adaptive Audio is a smart addition to the AirPods Pro 2 (whichever version you have), giving Apple some much-needed ammo when it comes to competing with its Bose and Sony rivals when it comes to noise-cancelling. We'll be updating our AirPods Pro 2 review to take the new updates into account once we’ve spent more time testing them out.

MORE:

Read our full AirPods Pro 2 review

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The iPhone 15 has USB-C, but is it the hi-res audio upgrade we've all been waiting for?

WWDC 2023 – Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference – kicks off today, Monday 5th June, with the keynote speech at 6pm BST / 1pm ET / 3am AEST. 

We're expecting a slew of announcements, including tvOS 17, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and of course Apple's long-rumoured AR/VR headset. 

Want to get straight to it? Watch the Apple Event live stream here. 

Just like previous WWDCs since 2020, this year's will be a virtual event broadcast live from Apple Park, Cupertino, California. It's completely free to watch.

So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and get settled in for WWDC23. Here's how to tune in and more on what to expect...

Apple WWDC23 start time

WWDC23 will start today (5th June 2023) in Cupertino at 10am PST. The event kicks off with a keynote speech – this usually lasts around 90 minutes, but this one could exceed two hours, as Apple has a lot to get through. Rumours say it could be Apple's longest keynote ever.

See below for a list of keynote start times around the globe.

• Cupertino, California: 10am PST 
• New York, New York: 1pm ET
• Halifax, Canada: 1pm AST
• London, United Kingdom: 6pm BST
• Berlin, Germany: 7pm CEST
• Delhi, India: 10:30pm IST
• Sydney, Australia: 4am AEDT

How to watch a WWDC23 live stream

Apple will stream WWDC23 live on Apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website and the Apple TV app.

Tune into the live stream at apple.com.

You can also watch the Apple Event via Apple's YouTube channel, which you can do just below.

WWDC 2023 live stream

What to expect from WWDC23

So what's in store? In a word, plenty. There should be new software galore, with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, tvOS 17, macOS 14 and watchOS 10 all expected to be announced. These are all updated annually, so are a fairly safe bet to make an appearance.

New hardware is more of a rarity, though it does still happen. And its developers conference would be the perfect place for Apple to launch its first AR/VR headset, which according to reports will be aimed squarely at developers at first. The headset has been rumoured for years – with the likes of Meta/Facebook and Oculus yet to gain mainstream appeal, could this be VR's iPhone moment?

We could also see Apple launch a 15-inch MacBook Air.

Could we also see the AirPods Max 2? Apple's original over-ear headphones launched back at the end of 2020, so a sequel is due. Though some reports say we'll only see a new colour for the original pair, with a sequel launching later this year.

The rumoured AirPods Lite are also in doubt. We heard a load of rumblings suggesting Apple may follow Google and Samsung’s lead and release a “Lite” cheaper version of the AirPods over a year ago, but things have since gone quiet. We'll find out later today!

MORE:

Read our Apple AirPods Max review

These are the 4 biggest AirPods and Apple TV rumours I want to see confirmed at WWDC 2023 

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WWDC is just around the corner, and despite most of the speculation centring around new MacBooks and the illusive AR headset that's supposedly years in the making, it's also the time of year that Apple shows off all of its new software updates. We can expect to see new versions of iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, MacOS and tvOS, but there's one key software upgrade I'd like to see at WWDC – and in my humble opinion, I feel like it's well overdue at this point. 

While they're not technically the best wireless earbuds on the market, my first-generation AirPods Pro have served me well for well over two years now. When they eventually die, they will be replaced by a pair of AirPods Pro 2 without hesitation, as the sound quality, comfort, noise cancelling and usability are all things I've grown accustomed to. There is one issue however, and that's the frankly laughable software experience you get with AirPods, and that's something I need Apple to fix as soon as possible. 

Practically all other wireless headphone manufacturers provide a dedicated app and/or software experience with their headphones, which usually lets you adjust sound presets, noise cancelling, EQ levels, access settings, update the firmware and even give you handy tips and tricks for using your headphones. Sennheiser has the Smart Control app, Bose has the Connect and Music apps, and Sony has its Music Center app – yet Apple tucks the AirPods menu away within the device settings of your iPhone or iPad.

Considering how expensive the AirPods Pro Max are (yes, we need an app for those too), it's baffling that you're confined to a limited number of options in the Bluetooth menu for adjusting the sound and customising your headphones. What's more infuriating is that Apple is more than capable of making an intuitive and useful application based on its own hardware; just take the Apple Watch app for example. 

Here's where WWDC comes in, as although it's not been speculated or rumoured in any way thus far, I have my fingers crossed that we see an overhauled software experience for AirPods. First and foremost, I want Apple to ditch the iOS settings menu and move away from the Bluetooth settings in favour of an AirPods app. Here we could have the usual suspects like the useful ear tip fit test, personalised Spatial Audio set-up and battery percentage, as well as some new features like EQ presets, AirPods tips and tricks and app suggestions to use with your AirPods. It may not be common knowledge but you can actually adjust your AirPods' EQ – however, this setting is found in the accessibility menu for some reason. If this isn't a prime example of why we need an updated software experience then I don't know what is.

Finally, while it may be an uncommon pairing, an AirPods app would do wonders for Android users that use the Apple earbuds. While this may be an uncharacteristic move by Apple as it likes to keep its products locked tightly within its ecosystem, Android users could benefit from missing features that are exclusive to iPhone and iPad users. This includes the ear fit test, find my AirPods, battery life status, control customisation and more. While we usually wouldn't recommend pairing AirPods with an Android phone, an app that addresses many of our qualms when it comes to missing features might change our minds. 

Unfortunately, my hopes aren't exactly high that we'll see an AirPods app on Monday, as most signs point towards a smart display lock screen mode and various UI overhauls with iOS 17. However, rumours of new AirPods Pro Max headphones and a cheaper set of AirPods Lite have been circulating for some time now, which could be the next perfect opportunity for Apple to upgrade the AirPods software experience.  

MORE:

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

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More than two months after its release for iOS users on the Apple App Store, the Apple Music Classical app is now available to download on Android devices. Initially making its big debut on 28th of March 2023, the separate app is designed expressly for classical music and is available to current Apple Music subscribers at no additional cost. Just download the free app, log in with your current Apple Music details, and you’re good to go.

We did note at the time of launch the absence of Apple Music Classical for Android users, but it’s no surprise to see Apple extend the availability of this new app to a wider audience. Android users can now download the app from the Google Play Store, even though Apple is yet to provide its bespoke classical platform with an iPad or Mac app just yet.

The new(ish) platform features a similar layout to the pleasing configuration of the main Apple Music app, with Listen Now, Browse, Search and Library tabs all present. With a five million track catalogue, support for lossless and spatial audio, not to mention comprehensive metadata adapting to your preferences and tastes, we’ve been hugely impressed with the app thus far.

In fact, we tried out Apple Music Classical for a week and found it to be a fantastic service for both classical music aficionados and relative novices, even if we found some issues with the interface and a frustrating inability to download tracks to enjoy offline. Maybe that will change in the future.

Even so, the arrival of the app for Android users can only be a good thing, especially if it exposes more people to the delights of classical music. Baroque-on!

MORE:

Apple Music Classical: release date, price, hi-res, spatial audio and first impressions

Read our five-star Apple Music review

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The 4 biggest AirPods and Apple TV rumours I want to see confirmed at WWDC 2023

So you’ve got a great soundbar in the lounge, some separates that handle music and sometimes double on home cinema duties in the same room, a separate system in your dedicated listening room, a kitchen speaker to keep your toe tapping while you cook and more speakers upstairs. Quite a set-up. But wouldn’t it be great if they could all work together on the same network?

Now they can, thanks to DTS Play-Fi. This whole-home audio platform lets you stream music, podcasts, radio and more from every compatible device in the home. Whether you’re using a popular music service, your TV, or even your turntable, you can quickly and simply stream the audio to every connected device in every room in your home without the need for cable spaghetti. Or you can create a wireless home cinema system using your Play-Fi-enabled soundbar or TV – the choice is yours.

The Play-Fi app is available for Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Windows and TV devices. The platform recently won a bunch of awards at CES 2023, including the OMDIA Innovation Award, Twice Picks Award and the CES 2023 Innovation Award for Streaming.

Play-Fi has some new members of the family it would like you to meet. So come inside, fix yourself a warm drink and check out even more ways to listen.

Many brands, one family

One of the best things about DTS Play-Fi is that it allows devices from different brands to work together on the same network. You’re not tied into always buying devices from one company, giving you many more listening options to fit your budget, preferences and taste.

Case in point: the Loewe Klang bar3 soundbar. A powerful 3.1 soundbar, it’s a true all-rounder, whether you’re using it as your sole home cinema speaker, or adding it as part of a surround sound set-up.

Used alone, its 360 watts of power are more than enough to bring your movies, shows and games to life, and it projects 3D sound with extra height thanks to its Dolby Atmos tech. With forward-facing left, right and centre speakers partnering with not one but two integrated subwoofers, it creates a truly immersive, room-filling sound.

Using wireless, latency-free WDAL 2.0 technology (Loewe Wireless Digital Audiolink 2.0), the Klang bar3 can connect to extra front and rear speakers, automatically becoming the centre speaker to enable better speech intelligibility. And if you want to go wired with older active speakers or amplifiers, it has AVR connections, so you won’t need an expensive adapter.

But of course the feather in its cap is DTS Play-Fi, which lets the Klang bar3 work as a wireless speaker across a multi-room set-up, or directly with Play-Fi-enabled TVs.

Hi-res across multiple rooms 

The Klang bar3 partners perfectly with the Loewe Klang mr Series. Comprising the klangmr1, klangmr3 and klangmr5 multi-room speakers, this lets you stream music in hi-resolution – a feature missing from many multi-room systems.

The klangmr1 is the baby of the bunch with 30 watts of total music power, while the klangmr3 has 150 watts and the klangmr5 has 180 watts. But whatever you’re listening to, be it music, podcasts, audio books, internet radio or something else besides, these speakers will do it justice, connecting not only over wi-fi but Bluetooth as well, for beaming content from a mobile device.

They don’t just sound superb, they look great too, with an elegant, understated look that will fit any interior. And they’re a joy to use – you can save and play your favourites with a simple tap on the glass touch panel, or control them using your voice. Partner them with the Klang bar3, sit back and enjoy the music.

The ultimate music streamer?

And if you want to add hi-res music streaming to any audio system? The Audiolab 7000N Play streamer is for you.

It builds on the highly acclaimed 6000N Play – two-time winner of What Hi-Fi?’s Best Music Streamer Under £500 Award – offering a significant step-up in both functionality and performance. But with an RRP of £549, it’s just £50 more expensive.

By combining the versatility of the DTS Play-Fi wireless audio platform with Audiolab’s sonic knowhow, it delivers a beautiful sounding network streamer that’s simple to set up and use. Smartphones. Tablets. PCs. Macs. NAS drivers. Music servers. They all play nice with the 7000N Play’s dual-band, dual-antenna wi-fi, and of course it connects to other Play-Fi-equipped devices (regardless of brand) to create a full-house multi-room system.

A new generation ES9038Q2M DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) connects directly to any amplified or powered speakers, while proprietary circuitry helps create a sound with ultra-low noise and high dynamic range. Hi-res audio? Why of course, you can stream up to 24-bit/192kHz over wi-fi and Ethernet cable.

An isolated power supply has a high-efficiency, low-noise toroidal transformer for optimum signal purity, while AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Works with Alexa support gives you even more ways to stream. Add a new colour display and you’ve got possibly the ultimate music streamer.

All the streaming services under one roof

But these devices and technologies are nothing without music to play on them. Play-Fi has an abundance of compatible music services, with Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL and Qobuz all offering gapless 24-bit/192kHz hi-res playback audio (which many other multi-room systems don’t support). Once you’ve filled your home with hi-res music in every room, you’ll never go back.

Still not sold? Play-Fi customers have an exclusive free 3-month trial to Qobuz, so they can try before they buy. Find out more here.

The success of Apple's AirPods cannot be denied. Not only did they make true wireless earbuds mainstream at a time when the technology was relatively niche and expensive, but they have also remained the dominant model of choice today when more or less every headphone manufacturer has produced rival pairs. 

While the earlier models didn't bowl us over in terms of sound quality, the AirPods Max, AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 have made the line much more competitive. So if you own one of those models in particular, congratulations – you've made a fine choice.

If you have landed on this page, the chances are you are an AirPods owner who is searching for, or curious to know, ways to get more out of them. Because even if you are an experienced AirPods user, you may well only be scratching the surface of what they can do. Below are several AirPods tips and FAQ answers to help you get to know your Apple earbuds better, from how to care for them correctly to tracking them down if you've mislaid them.

Switch between devices automatically

You can switch your AirPods automatically between Apple devices, providing you're signed in with your Apple ID on each. For example, make a call on your iPhone, and your AirPods will switch to it from whatever you're listening to on your Mac or iPad.

Try Conversation Boost

Ever struggle to hear what someone is saying, despite the fact they're standing right in front of you? You're not alone. And your AirPods can help. Connect them to your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and enable Headphone Accommodations on said device (it's in Settings  > Accessibility > Audio/Visual). Tap Transparency Mode, turn on Custom Transparency Mode, then turn on Conversation Boost.

And hey presto – your AirPods will pick up the dialogue from the person in front of you and boost it over background noise so you can hear what they're saying. Whether you'll like what they're saying is another matter...

Have Siri announce your notifications

Siri can announce your notifications from certain apps like Messages and Reminders, and you can reply by speaking. Turn it on in the Notifications sub-menu of the Settings menu. When Siri has read it out it'll listen for your reply. It'll then read it back to you to check before sending.

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Swiss speaker manufacturer Piega has pulled the cloth from its latest range of active streaming speakers. The Premium Wireless Gen2 Series comprises the 301 standmounters (£2950) and 501 (£5950) and 702 (£7500) floorstanders, somewhat rivalling the superb, similarly priced KEF LS50 Wireless II and LS60 Wireless in the increasingly popular all-in-one stereo speaker space.

Support for Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, DLNA and Bluetooth allows owners to stream to the speakers using their phone, tablet or another source device via a separate ‘connect plus’ hub (£590), which also accommodates external analogue and digital physical sources – including a TV, via HDMI – so that they can play through the speakers too. This compact hub also takes on preamplifier and DAC duties and transmits music to the speakers “completely lossless and uncompressed” in up to a 24-bit/96kHz resolution.

The ‘Gen2’ in the range’s naming obviously represents their second-generation status, marked primarily by the move from a bass reflex ported cabinet in the original Premium Wireless speakers to a sealed one. This new sealed design, Piega says, benefits impulse reproduction and low-frequency precision and allows greater flexibility in placement. Owners with iPhones can also use the Piega Control iOS app to calibrate the speakers according to placement and room acoustics.

The company’s in-house-developed, Swiss-manufactured Linear Drive Ribbon tweeters are present across the range, paired with midrange drivers and woofers in a 3-way arrangement for the 180-watt and 200-watt floorstander models, and with a mid/bass driver in a 2-way arrangement in the 100-wat standmounter. The floorstanders have gained the woofer to ensure the low-end and dynamic performance is made up for by the move away from the previous bass reflex design.

These cabinets are made from aluminium and handmade in Piega’s Lake Zurich factory, finished in either brushed aluminium. For a slight premium, the speakers can also be black anodised or white lacquered. And for those who aren't interested in networking streaming smarts, a physical connections-only hub (£290) can be paired with the speakers instead.

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Streaming services and classical music aren't necessarily the two things you'd most closely associate with one another. Online streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and even Tidal remain strongly associated with ideas of youth-oriented fare and the modern desire for convenience and usability over anything else, while Qobuz takes a stab at it, delivering a decent amount of classical works in hi-res audio.

Classical music inherently has a more 'traditional' association. However erroneous it might be, such music remains tied up with images of old record players, gramophones, philharmonic orchestras and your dad's obsession with Classic FM and BBC Radio 3. 

The reality, however, is that with streaming's increasing ubiquity across generations and tastes, combined with some serious recent leaps in audio quality and methods of presentation, such services are better equipped than ever to serve the classical market. Thanks to innovations such as lossless audio, hi-res streaming and Dolby Atmos, never has network streaming been better equipped to deal with the demands of Brahms, Beethoven and Berlioz. 

It's no surprise, then, that Apple has launched its own bespoke classical music service, imaginatively titled Apple Music Classical, designed specifically to deal with the demands of the classical genre. Ever since Apple acquired streaming service Primephonic in 2021, there have been hints of a dedicated Apple platform on which the greatest composers and compositions could find a home. 

We've taken the brand new Apple Music Classical app for a spin, and here are our first impressions and guide through the app.

What is Apple Music Classical?

Apple states its new service is designed "specifically for classical music", available to current Apple Music subscribers "at no additional cost". The new platform runs in parallel with Apple Music, but with its own app that can be downloaded separately for free. It is laid out specifically to accommodate the intricacies, and often complexities, inherent in searching for the many variations, recordings and arrangements floating around the classical music-sphere.

Apple Music Classical provides subscribers with unlimited access to what Apple deems the "world’s largest classical music catalogue" of over five million tracks, including thousands of exclusive albums. Users can navigate more effectively through the large library using the "powerful and intuitive" search function, by composer, work, conductor or catalogue number to find the specific recording they want.

Apple claims this app is "curated by classical music experts who are passionate about helping both beginners and seasoned music lovers discover great works." Having spent time testing it, we really do get the sense of an application made by people with an appreciation for the works on display. 

Release date 

Apple Music Classical launched on 28th March 2023 on the App Store and was added to the Google Play Store around May 30th. Incidentally, its initial launch date on 28th March is also the same day the new Sonos Era 300 smart speaker went on sale, which also started supporting Apple Music's spatial audio tracks on that day. How convenient...

Please note, however, that you'll need to download the free Classical app separately, alongside the main Apple Music app, in order to gain access. 

How to download the app

Apple users can order Apple Music Classical right now via the official App Store or Google Play Store if using an Android device. 

If you already have an Apple Music subscription, you can start playing music straight away at no extra cost. If you're not a current subscriber, you'll be prompted to sign up within the new app.

The app wasn't initially available at launch for Android users, but happily, that's no longer the case. Apple Music has been available via the Google Play Store for some time now, and it's now been joined by its classical companion. Android users can now download the app from the Google Store, even though Apple has yet to provide its bespoke classical platform with an iPad or Mac app.

The Apple Music Classical app will work on iPhones running on iOS 15.4 and later, but it is odd that it's been made available for Android users before being ported to the iPad or Mac.

Pricing

Apple Music Classical comes at no extra cost to current Apple Music users, provided they have the full £10.99 / $10.99 / AU$12.99 individual membership already, or are part of the Student or Family plan (the cheapest Voice Plan will not suffice). Just download the separate Apple Music Classical app and you should be good to go with your existing subscription. 

What if you don't already subscribe to Apple Music? Sadly, there's no option for a standalone subscription right now, so if you want to hear the Liszt in lossless or Haydn in hi-res, you're going to have to subscribe and pay a membership price to the full Apple Music service to use the Classical app.

Catalogue, features, interface

The Classical app is laid out similarly to the main Apple Music app, with Listen Now, Browse, Library and Search tabs, but there's currently no Radio tab.

The music library itself boasts over five million tracks at launch, joining Apple Music's existing over 100-million-strong catalogue. According to Apple, the Classical app "makes it easy for beginners to get acquainted with the genre thanks to hundreds of Essentials playlists, insightful composer biographies, deep-dive guides for many key works, and intuitive browsing features."

Apple also provides "complete and accurate metadata" for those of us who like to know the nitty-gritty specifics of who, and what, is being played to us, bolstered by thousands of composer biographies and descriptions of key works and pieces. "Intuitive browsing features", meanwhile, promise to make navigating the weird and wonderful world of classical music a far less stressful experience. 

The use of Metadata has turned into one of Apple Music Classical's big plus points, as the algorithm constantly changes and adapts not only to your preferences regarding genres and composers, but to the nuances and differences between performances of the same work. If you have a fondness for Chopin and you like interpretations of his work with plenty of expression and rubato (i.e. rhythmic freedom), the app will adapt to suggest performances better suited to your tastes.  

There's also the capacity to stream the app's library using AirPlay 2 on compatible wireless devices, as well as via Siri on the HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini.

• Read our full Apple Music review

Listen Now is your hub for exclusives, new releases, essential playlists, genre and spatial audio highlights and recommendations from Apple. The Browse tab handily sections out categories so you can search via composer, a particular period, conductors and more, and while there's certainly room for improvement once you're actually into a specific section or genre, one of the app's strengths is being able to search for the same piece of music from multiple different angles.   

The Library tab may look similar to one in the main Music app at first, but it works a little differently. You can save albums, playlists, works, composers and the like – but they will be saved both on the Classical and the main Music app. What you can't do, however, is download music just yet, something that Apple may be working to fix. We certainly hope so.

The Library here is distinct from some of the standard Apple functionality that you may be used to. Say you've downloaded Deadmau5's Some Chords on your standard Apple Music app account, the track is saved in different ways and accessible through different avenues; Deadmau5 is now one of your Library's saved artists, the track's album, 4x4=12 is also now added, albeit just featuring the track or tracks you downloaded, and/or you can find Some Chords by just going to the Songs tab. Essentially, you can reach the song in numerous ways: via the album, the artist, or directly through your main song catalogue.

Apple Music Classical isn't the same. If you've saved, say, Caren Goodin Evart's performance of Debussy's The Girl with the Flaxen Hair, you'll find the entire album from which that recording is taken added to your list, but not the artist or the composer, Debussy himself. These must be added separately from their own respective tabs, as must "Works", although what qualifies a "Work" seems hard to pin down, other than what the app deems is and isn't one. It's a somewhat confusing system that could use clarification and streamlining in the future.

The works and playlists we add also show up in the "Recently Added" section in the Library tab of our main Apple Music account – again, odd. There is no "Recently Added" section in the Classical app – or not yet, anyway. It means we have to flit between the Apple Music and Classical app, which feels like it defeats the point of having a separate, dedicated app.

Searching and playing music

A quick search for some of the more well-known composers (Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Holst, John Williams, Danny Elfman) shows off how the Classical app comes to life with its genre-specific focus.

There is a vast amount of recordings to deal with, but Apple Music handily starts off with an "Editor's Pick" to guide you to your search query, followed by the most popular recording. This is especially useful for newbies, who might be overwhelmed with the various names (or lack of) and versions of a particular work. Many major works – Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (but not Debussy's Clair du Lune) – have their own landing page, too, similar to a major composer's page. 

Sticking with John Williams, the way his life's work is laid out is different from when searching in the main Music app. Instead of being grouped by film soundtrack albums, the Classical app only shows the purely classical/orchestral recordings of his famous compositions. The number next to each film's name shows how many works there are for each topic. Select Star Wars and you'll see the various symphonies and recordings that exist, with the year and number of tracks for each. That's plenty of handy information, but it can be a minefield if you're not sure what you're looking for.

The good news is that it does encourage you to explore, and you might end up finding favourite symphonies or particular recordings that you favour over others. Not sure where to start? Apple has handily made "Essential" playlists for the major composers and periods, a bit like Spotify's "This Is" compilations detailing the essential tracks of a given artist.

• The best John Williams movie scores to test your hi-fi system

There's even more information when you start playing a track, with Apple really pushing hard to give users as much data and factual nutrition as possible. The effort is genuinely impressive. 

Tap the queue icon in the 'now playing' interface (very similar to the main Apple Music layout, minus the lyrics), and you'll see the upcoming works Apple has recommended for you based on what's playing now.

Tap the info icon, and you'll see a rich amount of metadata and background information specifically about the track you're listening to, including catalogue number, composer, the full title, the record label, movement and more. For people who like to get really involved in their listening experience and view things like their taste profile and listening habits, these are truly welcome features. 

Hi-res lossless and spatial audio

The provision of millions of high-resolution audio quality tracks, as well as thousands of Dolby Atmos-compatible recordings, is the big draw here, especially when you consider just how impressive something like a Beethoven symphony could sound with the full Dolby Atmos immersive experience behind it. Not everything has it, but there's rarely a time when you'll find a big-name track that truly deserves hi-res that isn't getting it.  

The Classical app will feature works available in up to 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Lossless quality (the highest Apple offers in its ALAC file format) and also in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos.

Make sure your headphones and speakers are equipped to play Hi-Res Lossless and spatial audio, otherwise you're simply not going to get the full benefit of these nifty additional features (playing straight out of your compressed iPhone speakers would make Beethoven have a fit). The slight wrinkle with Hi-Res Lossless is that none of Apple's current AirPods supports hi-res over Bluetooth (AAC standard is the max), but Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod mini do support the Lossless format.

Spatial audio has wider compatibility, across AirPods Pro 2 earbuds and speakers such the HomePods and the new Sonos Era 300. These are your best bets for fully enjoying the immersive audio formats.

• Apple Music lossless: which devices will (and won't) play lossless and Spatial Audio

Sound quality: first impressions

The time we've spent with the Apple Music Classical app has been hugely rewarding, and we're still not close to fully exploring the depth and breadth of everything that it has to offer. Even now, after weeks of listening, there are surprises to be had and new performances. feature and data to be found.  

But it's no stretch to say we fully expect the performance to be on par with Apple Music – after all, Apple hasn't announced any changes in the file quality or format of streaming. But this is no bad thing, as we're fans of how the five-star Apple Music service sounds: clear, detailed, with excellent timing and dynamics. And with higher-res tracks, it's an open, articulate and expressive sound when listened to with appropriately good-quality headphones or speakers.

At this stage, we can definitely report back to tell you that if you're into classical music or you'd love to find out more, there isn't a better repository right now than the Apple Music Classical app.

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Apple will launch a new pair of AirPods 2 equipped with USB-C charging later this year, according to one analyst. Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted that the USB-C-equipped AirPods Pro will launch at the end of this year or early 2024, via MacRumors. 

Kuo spotted references to new AirPods within the source code of the iOS 16.4 beta released last week. He believes this refers to the USB-C version of the AirPods Pro 2.

It's not known if Apple will make any other changes to a new par of AirPods Pro. The AirPods Pro 2 launched in September 2022, and like all current models of in-ear AirPods, includes a charging case with a Lightning port. Lightning is Apple's proprietary connection used on its accessories and iPhones, and some model of iPad. But not for long.

From late next year, new EU legislation will make all makers of smartphones, tablets and other portable electronics devices to adopt USB-C as standard. It's hoped this will reduce electrical waste and be more convenient for consumers. Apple has said previously that it will have no choice but to comply with the legislation, though since the UK left the EU, there is some doubt as to whether the UK government will enact a similar law.

Apple already uses USB-C for some models of iPad. The iPhone 15 rumoured for later this year is predicted to have a USB-C port instead of Lightning.

So could we see new models of the existing AirPods with USB-C in place of Lightning connectors? Kuo doesn't think so. Rather, he reckons Apple will wait until it launches a new model of AirPods before adopting USB-C.

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The Beats Studio Buds marked a new direction of the Apple-owned Beats – out went garish branding and a focus on the low end, in came discreet styling and more refined sonics. And now an upgraded version is on the way – the Beat Studio Buds Plus.

They were spotted by 9to5Mac who dug through the code for the latest iOS update (iOS 16.4, which launches in beta soon). The image shows a new black and gold colourway for the buds, with a design that's near identical to the four-star Beats Studio Buds.

While they might look the same, they're said to have some powerful upgrades, like more powerful noise-cancellation and an improved transparency mode. That's according to The Verge's sources, who dispute 9to5Mac's claim that the buds would include automatic device switching between Apple devices. 

9to5Mac also originally claimed the Studio Buds Plus would use an Apple chip (as used in the firm's AirPods line), as opposed to the Studio Buds which used a proprietary Beats chip. But the site has since rowed back on that. The Verge's sources also disputed this claim.

The Studio Buds Plus should still support the Hey Siri voice command (as did their predecessors). But it seems they won't support the full list of Apple-only features – for that, you'll need a pair of AirPods. But Beats pairs are better suited to Android users, with more features that are compatible with devices running Google's mobile operating system. 

Expect a Studio Buds Plus announcement soon, seeing as support is already included in the next build of iOS. They're expected to cost a little more than the Studio Buds, which launched at £130 / $150 / AU$200.

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OnePlus’ ethos has always been more phone for less money, and while that is still the case with the OnePlus 11 5G, the definition of less money has changed since the brand’s first Android smartphone was released almost a decade ago. 

However, with prices that still undercut the likes of Samsung and Apple, and with flagship-level specs, build quality and features, it's easy to see the appeal of OnePlus' latest handset. If you’re after a 6.7-inch smartphone with a cutting-edge processor, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat the OnePlus on the specification-per-pound/dollar metric. But does that make the OnePlus 11 the best smartphone for AV enthusiasts? Not quite, but it certainly makes a convincing case for itself. 

Price

The OnePlus 11 comes in at £729 / $699 / AU$1199 which, by modern flagship smartphone standards, is fairly reasonable. That gets you 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, but you can alternatively opt for a 16GB of RAM and 256GB storage model for a total price of £799 / $799 / AU$1399. In a strange move from OnePlus, it looks like the base model only comes in the Titan Black finish, while the upgraded model only comes in Eternal Green.

The closest Android competitor at this price point is the Samsung Galaxy S23 (£849 / $799 / AU$1349), and while we’ve only spent some brief hands-on time with that device, we can say for sure that it packs a smaller, lower-resolution screen. On the iOS side of things, the iPhone 14 is the closest competitor at £849 / $799 / AU$1399. However, that too features a lower resolution, lower refresh rate and smaller screen, although specs on paper aren’t everything, as we very well know by now.

Build

We find the OnePlus’ unique design to be somewhat subjective. While the textured rear glass looks slick and adds much-needed grip to this fairly hefty handheld, the ludicrously large circular camera cluster is nothing short of an eyesore. OnePlus has attempted to integrate the metal housing into the frame of the phone in a fluid design reminiscent of the Samsung Galaxy S21, but it doesn’t detract from the clunky bulging optic module that takes up around a quarter of the phone’s rear. 

Flipping over to the front of the device, you’ll find a 6.7-inch display that curves very slightly over the edge for a minimalist, thin-bezel design. There is a single hole-punch camera tucked into the top left of the display, keeping content mostly free of obstructions – unlike Apple’s notch approach.

The OnePlus 11’s metal and glass construction feels solid and adequately weighty without verging on cumbersome, and it features the return of the iconic switch that can alternate the phone between ring, vibrate and silent modes after it was missing from last year’s 10T. Overall, the OnePlus feels suitably luxe for the price, with a pleasant blend of high-end materials.

Features

The OnePlus 11 5G packs in practically all of the top-end Android smartphone features you’d expect. We’ve already mentioned the expansive 6.7-inch size of the screen, but it’s also got a QuadHD+ resolution (1440 x 3216) with a pixel density of 525ppi. It reaches a claimed peak brightness of 1300 nits (practically on par with the iPhone 14) and it features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gameplay. The display also supports HDR in the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ formats, which is a really nice touch when you consider that Samsung only includes HDR10+ on its more expensive Galaxy S23. It's a lot for your money. 

The phone even extends its impressive feature set into the audio department with support for Dolby Atmos on the device’s “Dual Reality” stereo speaker arrangement, as well as through headphones. You won’t find a headphone jack on this phone, as is the case with practically all modern smartphones (apart from Sony’s Xperia line), but you do have Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LE, A2DP and aptX HD codecs. You can also plug a wired headset into the USB-C port via a third-party adapter.

Onto the non-AV-oriented features of this phone, there’s the aforementioned camera cluster, which consists of three lenses: a 50MP main lens, a 32MP telephoto lens and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, which means you should be covered no matter what you’re shooting. The 11 features Hasselblad branding on the rear camera array, as OnePlus has partnered with the camera company for many of its recent models. Snapping a shot with the OnePlus provides us with a decent image, although the Pixel 7 and iPhone 14 are still the ones to beat in the smartphone camera game.

The OnePlus also gets Qualcomm’s latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which keeps the OxygenOS (based on Android 13) system running smoothly. We are yet to encounter any bugs or glitches with the OnePlus 11, but the OxygenOS is a tad cartoonish for our liking. Thankfully, there don't appear to be any unnecessary bloatware apps preinstalled on the system, which frees up the internal storage space for apps, photos, movies and music. 

Battery life on the OnePlus is solid, with a 5000mAh cell powering the device. It’s backed up with OnePlus' SUPERVOOC 100W charging technology, which claims to charge the device from one to 100 per cent in just 25 minutes. Charging is super speedy indeed, thanks to the included fast charging plug, which is something of a rarity these days. However, it's wired charging or nothing with the 11, as it does not support wireless charging despite the company including this feature in last year’s OnePlus 10 Pro.

Picture

There’s plenty to like when it comes to the OnePlus 11’s display, which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering its specs. We set the phone to the cinematic picture setting, running at QHD+ resolution for our testing, as we believe it's the optimal set-up for watching content on this display. Firing up Drive on Netflix, the strengths of the OnePlus are immediately apparent, with plenty of texture detail in The Driver's skin, even when he's cloaked in shadow during the tense opening scene.

Black depth is also very solid, with the AMOLED panel producing true blacks. This adds a convincing depth to the night sky, as well as the segments of the car interior that are entirely obscured by shadow. This pairs well with the decent handling of contrast, notably when a beam of light hits The Driver’s silver jacket creating a reflective glow while retaining a solid amount of detail from the jacket’s material.

Outlines are sharp and well-defined against the background, and skin, clothing and environmental textures all retain a good amount of detail. The OnePlus’ display is much larger than the iPhone 14’s but it's also more pixel-dense, and it largely appears to put that extra density to good use, delivering lots of integral detail despite the more cinematically large screen.

The OnePlus isn’t quite perfect, though, and it becomes very obvious that the iPhone outperforms it when they are placed side by side. The iPhone produces a slightly crisper image with more balanced colours. The OnePlus features a bold and punchy display that looks great in some instances, but it's apparent that subtlety isn’t its main priority, as the iPhone’s picture feels much more authentic in comparison.

The iPhone also demonstrates its capabilities when it comes to contrast during this opening scene of Drive as a night-time aerial shot overlooking the LA streets pops much more on the Apple phone. This is thanks to its ability to pull out more pinpoint bursts of light from the street lamps and car headlights that pierce through the night sky and shadowy streets.

The OnePlus tries to make the most of its big, bold and sharp screen, but it generalises a bit too much and misses some of the necessary nuances that are needed for a truly cinematic experience. That being said, you will absolutely have a pleasant experience watching content on the 11’s display, especially if you enjoy a bit of punch to your picture. 

Sound

Sound quality is undoubtedly the weakest aspect of the OnePlus 11, as it fails to impress when it comes to both the speakers and headphone performance. Starting with the supposedly Atmos-enabled speakers, we don’t hear the spatial prowess that OnePlus is claiming they are capable of. The thumping electronic soundtrack of Drive sounds slightly thin and lifeless, although switching to Tidal to play The XX’s Crystalised, we do get a hint of dynamics. We're well aware that there are no smartphone speakers that can be described as objectively good, but some are better than others, and the iPhone's are better than the OnePlus', particularly in terms of depth and dynamics.

Headphone performance, while obviously better, is similar in character, as the OnePlus presents music with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm. There isn’t much in the way of dynamics and drive here – something that's apparent when Crystalised hits its supposed crescendo, which fizzles out on the OnePlus. Once again, the iPhone shows up the OnePlus’ shortcomings, as there is much more texture to the vocals and instruments, as well as a touch more energy to keep the track engaging. Overall, the OnePlus isn’t unpleasant to listen to through either the speakers or headphones, but it doesn't particularly impress either.

Verdict

When it comes to affordable smartphones, the cheaper options are getting better and better. Just look at the Nothing Phone (1), or the Sony Xperia 10 IV, which proves that solid AV performance on a smartphone doesn’t have to cost the Earth. That being said, the OnePlus signifies a step up from these devices, with a nicer build, better cameras and top-tier day-to-day performance that truly makes it a solid choice if you’re after your next Android smartphone.

With a screen that’s easy to enjoy thanks to it being impressively specced for the price, and an underwhelming but inoffensive audio performance, the OnePlus 11 offers a lot for the money, and that’s really its main draw. OnePlus set out to create a flagship device that undercuts the competition when it comes to pricing, and it has mostly succeeded in its mission.

SCORES

• Features 5
• Picture 4
• Sound 3

MORE:

Read our review of the Nothing Phone (1)

Also consider the Google Pixel 7

Read our iPhone 14 review

Best smartphones for movies and music

Here's a surprise announcement: after nearly two years of waiting, Apple Music Classical is finally here and it has a launch date: Monday 28th March 2023. 

Ever since the company acquired the classical-only streaming service Primephonic in 2021, we've been patiently waiting for Apple's version of the classical music service to appear.

According to the App Store, the new Apple Music Classical is designed "specifically for classical music" and more crucially, it will be available to current Apple Music subscribers "at no additional cost". 

And the good news continues: the Classical music library has over five million tracks already (joining Apple Music's over 100-million strong catalogue), and will feature songs available in up to 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res Lossless quality (the highest Apple offers) and also in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos.

The latter is particularly interesting, as the launch date (28th March) is the same day that Sonos's new Era 300 spatial audio smart speaker will be on sale, and will also officially support Apple's spatial audio tracks from that date.

Coincidence? We think not.

• Sonos confirms Apple Music spatial audio support – and not just for its Era 300
• Read our five-star Apple Music review

You'll need to download the free app separately and if pre-ordering now, it will download automatically on to our iPhone on 28th March. It will work alongside any existing Apple Music plan (excluding the Voice Plan) and we reckon getting a whole new app with millions of songs at no extra cost is a pretty good deal. 

It's not such a good deal for Android users, though, who are once again left behind when it comes to new Apple launches. Apple Music is available on Google Play Store and we expect the Classical app to be available for Android users at a later date.

Why the need for a separate app? Searching for classical music can be a minefield, with various conductors, orchestras and live variations available for any given work. Cataloguing the works isn't standardised, either, so it can be difficult to find the exact recording you want. To that end, Apple says the Classical app has a "specialised search" engine that lets you search by composer, work, conductor and catalog number - this should make finding specific works instantly.

Apple also says the app "makes it easy for beginners to get acquainted with the genre thanks to hundreds of Essentials playlists, insightful composer biographies, deep-dive guides for many key works, and intuitive browsing features." Apple also promises "accurate metadata" which any dedicated digital music fan will know is crucial for your music library (and peace of mind).

Apple's acquisition of Netherlands-based Primephonic should help with this. Primephonic was considered the world's largest specialist library of classical music (we liked it, giving four stars in our review). Before it closed, the service added hi-res streaming to its offering and boasted over 3.5 million classical tracks from 170,000 artists across almost 230,000 albums and 2400 labels.

What if you don't already subscribe to Apple Music? We imagine you'll need to subscribe to use the Classical app (individual plan: £10.99 / $10.99 / AU$12.99 per month), as it doesn't seem to be available as a separate paid app (yet). The app will work on Apple devices with iOS 15.4 and later, and you'll need compatible headphones (such as the AirPods Pro 2) and speakers (like HomePod 2 and upcoming Sonos Era 300) to fully enjoy the Hi-Res Lossless and spatial audio formats.

You can pre-order Apple Music Classical at the App Store now, available on 28th March.

MORE:

Apple Music lossless: which devices will (and won't) play lossless and Spatial Audio

These are our favourite music streaming services

8 of the best classical music tracks for testing speakers

It goes without saying we're huge fans of the Sony WF-1000XM4. Not only are they fantastic five-star wireless earbuds, they're also two-time What Hi-Fi? Award-winners. But they aren't perfect (very few products are).

One of the minor issues that we've had since launch has been the lack of Multipoint Bluetooth. This convenient feature allows you to be connected to two sources simultaneously, say a laptop and smartphone, and means you can switch from watching a video on one to taking a call on another. When it's done right and works seamlessly, it can be a real game changer, especially if you spend a lot of time at a desk. And it's been available on the company's WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones since launch.

Well, it's finally here. Back in October 2022, Sony announced that Multipoint Bluetooth would be making its way to the XM4s at some point during winter and while it seems a little late it's actually landed with a few days to spare (winter officially ends on the 20th March).

The firmware version you're looking for is version 2.0.0 and you should be prompted to download it the next time you power up the earbuds and Sony's Headphones Connect app.

Provided you've got enough battery in your smartphone to handle the update and you're connected to the internet, you should be up and running in around 35 minutes if you're an Android user or 60 minutes if iOS. Just remember you'll have to go into the 'system' in the app and switch the toggle for 'Connect to 2 devices simultaneously'.

We've performed the update and, although it does take a while, especially on iOS devices, everything seems to be working fine with a voice prompt confirming a "Bluetooth second device connected". We'll be sure to report back if we come across any major problems while we're trying it out over the next few days.

MORE:

Read our Sony WF-1000XM4 review

Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which five-star earbuds are better?

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which are better?

Our pick of the best wireless earbuds we've tested

Beats has come a long way in just a few short years. What started as the brash brainchild of Dr Dre and producer Jimmy Iovine was bought by Apple in 2014 and, since then, has grown up considerably. While it originally had a reputation for earth-shattering bass at the expense of all else, its sound has become considerably more refined. Want proof? Just look at some of its current offerings.

The Beats Studio Buds are a demure little offering, with muted branding and a comprehensive feature set. Want something a little more exercise-friendly? The Beats Fit Pro are more fitness-focused but still offer active noise-cancellation and both iOS and Android compatibility.

Want to find out which Beats earbuds would suit you best? Let's have a look and see...

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Fit Pro: price

The Beats Fit Pro are the more premium pair of the two. They launched at £200 / $200 / AU$299, a price which has so far held firm. Keep a lookout though – headphones (especially true wireless earbuds like these) are prime candidates for price drops come sales time, so keep your eyes peeled come Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

At £130 / $150 / AU$200, the Beats Studio Buds are a fair bit cheaper. Again, their RRP hasn't dropped in price since their release, but they could well be first in line for a discount come sales time.

**Winner: Beats Studio Buds**

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Fit Pro: design

Whatever you might criticise Beats for, you can't say the brand doesn't put in the work when it comes to designing products. The Studio Buds are very well thought out – the ergonomically tilted acoustic nozzle features a laser-cut micro-vent to help ensure pressure relief on the eardrum, and with three silicone eartip options in total, there's decent scope to find the right fit. In fact, we found they fit well without even switching the pre-fitted eartips.

The eartips taper from the rounded capsule buds to a thinner pill shape – like a switch – where the 'b'-branded multi-function button meets driver housing. This isn't just an aesthetic flourish; it helps promote the twist-to-lock method of fitting them.

There's only a single LED to indicate battery life and when the buds are pairing with a device, however. This could be made more obvious at a glance, but it's a minor quibble on the design front.

Another quibble is that the Studio Buds don't have any volume controls on the buds themselves, but the Fit Pro do.

The Beats Fit Pro also bring their A-game in terms of design. The earbuds are lightweight, comfortable, and even more secure than the Studio Buds thanks to the wingtips that tuck into your shell-likes. This makes sense, given they're aimed at sports use, though their IPX4 rating splash- and sweatproof rating (the same as the Beats Studio Buds) could be higher considering their sport headphones status.

They're more eye-catching than the Studio Buds too and come in seven finishes (including the limited edition Kim Kardashian-tie-in colours) compared to the Studio Buds' six.

For their flashier finishes and more secure design, the Fit Pro take this round.

**Winner: Beats Fit Pro**

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Fit Pro: features

Beats is owned by Apple, but you'll be pleased to know both pairs don't discriminate against Android. Unlike Apple's own AirPods (the AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro 2, for instance), the two Beats buds here have their own app so Android users can customise their experience further.

The Android app enables features such as one-touch pairing, Ear Tip Fit Test, battery status and customisable controls – all of which were previously exclusive to iOS users. Android users with Apple Music also benefit from Spatial Audio. But that's not the whole story.

Because the Beats Fit Pro use Apple's H1 chip (also found in the first-gen AirPods Pro), they do have some features that only iOS users can enjoy. These are audio sharing with other Beats and Apple earbuds, auto-switching between devices, hands-free Siri and dynamic head tracking when listening to Spatial Audio tracks. In fact, the Beats Fit Pro is, so far, the only non-Apple product to feature full Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. 

The Beats Studio Buds don't have the H1 chip and so miss out on auto-switching between devices and dynamic head tracking, but they do retain the other features.

Both pairs have three listening modes – Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), ANC off and Transparency mode – which you toggle between by long-pressing the 'b' multi-function button on either earpiece, or via the Bluetooth menu on iOS. You can also personalise the 'b' button to change the volume.

The Fit Pro win for battery life, giving you six hours of use from the buds plus another 21 from the case. The Studio Buds's figures are five and 10 hours, respectively. Both benefit from a five-minute Fast Fuel charge to give you an hour's use.

**Winner: Beats Fit Pro**

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Fit Pro: sound quality

The Studio Buds were the first pair of Beats to really appeal to us. Why? The sound quality. Gone is the bass-heavy profile in favour of a more nuanced approach.

They still pack an expansive bass floor, but it never clutters up the mix. The low end is grippy and times pretty well, with plenty of texture. They score highly in terms of spacious presentation and placement too, even handling more frenzied tracks with aplomb.

They are bettered by the best wireless earbuds at their level in terms of detail and refinement, however, and their midrange sounds slightly harsh in places. 

Fittingly for a fitness-focused pair, the Beats Fit Pro sound lively and enjoyable whatever you throw at them. They're not as neutral as Apple's AirPods range, with things reined in amiably at both ends of the frequency spectrum.

Songs time well, with basslines that go deep without ever overpowering the balance. They have excellent timing and punch, and a very pleasing presentation that ties the music together cohesively, resulting in a great sense of drive.

The Fit Pro's treble can be a little bright sometimes, especially at the upper ends of the volume scale. But things never sound too sharp or uncomfortable – you can listen happily for hours.

**Winner: Beats Fit Pro**

Beats Studio Buds vs Beats Fit Pro: verdict

So there you have it. Beats might still enlist the A-listers to promote its wares (current ambassadors include Kim Kardashian and LeBron James), but it's moved away from its bass-at-all-costs approach. And both pairs of Beats earbuds prove that this is a very positive move.

The Studio Buds are an affordable AirPods alternative with a great feature set for iOS and Android users alike. They're bettered by their more expensive stablemate in every area except price, but they remain an excellent choice for anyone looking for Apple features on a budget who doesn't care for a fitness-friendly fit.

The Beats Fit Pro are just better all-rounders, though. They sound better, fit better, and have a couple of extra features (for iOS users) that elevate them above most of the crowd. If you can afford them, they're worth the extra outlay.

MORE:

These are the best AirPods alternatives

Best Beats headphones: budget and premium

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: which should you buy?

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 surprised us with a five-star performance, something that none of its in-ear buds has achieved until now. The new flagship wireless buds have taken serious steps to prove their worth in a very crowded and hotly contested category.

We've already looked at how they compare to the original AirPods Pro and the AirPods 3. But now it's time to put them against their fiercest competition yet: the Award-winning Sony WF-1000XM4, widely seen as the best wireless earbuds ever made.

Are the AirPods Pro 2 now the better buy? Or do Sony's stalwarts still stand firm? Let's have a look...

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: price

Apple might have raised the price for its latest iPhone (in the UK and Australia at least), but that's not the case with its new flagship earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 sell for the same £249 / $249 / AU$399 as the original pair launched at in 2019.

That puts them bang on the same launch price as the Sony WF-1000XM4. But the XM4 have been around a while now, and there are some great deals to be had – these buds have been hovering around the £199 mark in the UK since late 2022.

So will you find a deal on the AirPods Pro 2? Yes, but they're a pittance. You're looking at a tenner off here and there. Newness + Apple = no big deals for you. But keep an eye out during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as we've seen better deals then, and stay tuned to our best AirPods Pro deals page – you never know your luck.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4**

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: design

We've seen some pretty out-there wireless earbuds over the years, from Samsung's kidney bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live to Sony's donut-inspired LinkBuds. But the AirPods Pro 2 and Sony XM4 are both more traditional looking.

In fact, you might struggle to tell the difference between the AirPods Pro 2 and the original Pros. They're the same size, with the same bud-and-stem design. Even the all-white finish remains.

But they're not identical to the original Pro model. The stems feature a new touch-capacitive layer that lets you change the volume by swiping up or down. It's the first time you've been able to alter the volume of AirPods without digging your phone out, which is a real boon.

There's a new XS size ear tip for better fit, and the charging case has been updated – it can now be engraved with a Memoji, has a lanyard loop, and has built-in speakers that emit tones to indicate charging and help you find it if misplaced. Like the earbuds, it's rated IPX4 for water- and sweat-resistance.

Impressive, certainly. But the XM4 are no slouch.

They don't have stems like the AirPods Pro 2 – instead, Sony has opted for a round design that sits more inside the ear opening. This was apparently based on customer feedback about their predecessors, the XM3, as well as Sony's own research into the human ear.

The XM4 earbuds have a matte finish with small brass accents around the mic and sensor holes adding a splash of colour. They come in black or silver, whereas the AirPods Pro 2 only come in white.

They too are rated IPX4 for basic water resistance. But they only come with three sizes of ear tips to the Pro 2's four. The XM4's ear tips are made from polyurethane, which feels like a cross between silicone and foam. It gives them a tight, stable fit, while the thousands of tiny bubbles in the tips help reduce and dissipate noise.

What about controls? The outer surface of each earpiece doubles as a touchpad, whose function you can customise using the Headphones Connect app (you can change volume, control playback and switch between noise-cancelling and ambient sound modes).

It's worth noting that some on our review team have found Sony's bulkier, heavier earbuds (7.3g each) trickier to fit and remain securely in the ear, while Apple's more lightweight design (5.4 per earbud) is much easier to accommodate in general.

Just like the AirPods Pro 2, the Sony XM4's charging case is equipped for wireless charging, but unlike Apple's, it isn't water resistant. So be careful with it around the pool or on the beach.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: features

As one of the best wireless earbuds in recent years, the Sony XM4 are not short of features. These begin before you've even started using the headphones, with the air-tightness test using Sony's Headphones Connect app. It will play a test tone and say whether the earbuds are perfectly in place or if you need to make any adjustments.

Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format is also available through the app, using compatible streaming services such as Tidal and Deezer. The app also tells you how much battery remains in both the buds and the case (the buds pack eight hours, and the case another 16 hours). 

Quick Attention mode drops the volume of what you're listening to, so you can chat without removing the earbuds, while Speak-to-Chat does a similar job but is triggered by the sound of your voice. Very clever.

Inside the earbuds is a new DAC and analogue amplifier along with the Integrated Processor V1. Sony’s DSEE Extreme audio processor with Edge-AI is also present and correct, to upscale low-bitrate music files to near hi-res quality.

You don't get support for the aptX HD codec, but the XM4 do play nice with Sony’s LDAC format, which, streamed over Bluetooth from a compatible source (Sony Walkmans, select Android 'phones and portable hi-res players), allows hi-res audio files up to 24-bit/96kHz to be transmitted at data rates of up to 990kbps. 

Sony has also aimed to deliver clearer call quality with new features, including beam-forming and the use of a bone conduction sensor that stops the mics from picking up distracting ambient sounds while you’re talking. There’s even an automatic wind noise reduction mode that attempts to cut out swirls of noise passing through the headset and into your ears.

All of this works with Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology for impressive call quality.

They also work with Google's Fast Pair technology to sync super quickly with Android phones (iOS users miss out here, we're afraid). But it's a shame they still don't share the Sony WH-1000XM5's multipoint feature, which would let them pair to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. That feature is reportedly on the cards, but we're still waiting for it to manifest in 2023.

The AirPods Pro 2 are similarly packed with flagship features. The Pro 2 come with a similar ear tip fit test that you access from your iPhone's settings (in fact, Apple pioneered this) and pair near-instantly with Apple devices. 

Like the XM4, they have active noise-cancelling (ANC), but also add a new Adaptive Transparency mode which processes 48,000 times per second to identify and reduce loud, harsh, high-decibel noise around you such as a passing lorry or a siren.

Inside each earbud is a new custom low-distortion, high-excursion audio driver, transducer and high dynamic range amplifier. Powering the buds is Apple's new and powerful H2 chip, which results in better ANC, longer battery life and improved sound quality – there's more on this in the respective sections below.

Apple has also repositioned the mics and vents in the AirPods Pro 2 for improved airflow, affecting the effectiveness of ANC and overall sound quality. The inward-facing mic has also been redesigned, working with voice enhancement algorithms so your voice sounds more natural through calls.

While they won't pause when you start speaking, the AirPods Pro 2 have improved 'skin detect' – which means songs pause more instinctively when you've taken an earbud out (and resume playback when placed back in).

The Pro 2 support Apple's Spatial Audio tech with dynamic head tracking, and this time its immersive effect can be personalised. Using the TrueDepth camera on an iPhone (running iOS 16 operating system or higher), the technology can tune the sound and create personalised audio profiles specifically based on someone's ear shape and size. Pretty neat – if you can make the tricky scanning process work.

Battery life gets longer for the AirPods Pro 2. While the six hours you get from the buds lag behind the Sony XM4, the Pro 2's 24-hour case battery packs eight more hours than the XM4's. Astounding.

You also get adaptive EQ, Audio Sharing (the ability to play audio simultaneously through two sets of AirPods) and Auto-pause. 

It's an impressive feature set for the AirPods Pro 2. But remember – if you use Android rather than an Apple device, you'll miss out on some of their best features.

And rather disappointingly, the new AirPods Pro 2 still don't support high-res or any higher-quality codecs, which is at odds with the lossless tracks available from Apple Music's library. The Pro 2 stick with the basic AAC codec for Bluetooth streaming, which lags behind the aptX HD and LDAC codecs that are able to transmit more data wirelessly. Shame.

**Winner: Sony WF-1000XM4**

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: sound quality

The XM4 launched in the summer of 2021, which is a long time ago in terms of wireless earbuds. But since then, they've seen off competition from all comers to reign supreme as our best wireless earbuds. And they've done so largely because of their superb sound quality.

Bass is fantastic, being clear and detailed, and practically dripping in texture. Meanwhile, voices are laid bare with nuance and emotion. There’s clarity across the board and a sense of rhythmic precision that allows the Sonys to switch pace effortlessly. They sound even better than the XM3, which were our previous favourite wireless earbuds, and hold their own against the newer Bose QC Earbuds II. Sony's on a roll.

The Pro 2 are the first in-ear AirPods to earn five stars from us, with sound quality taking a serious, grown-up step than before. They retain the originals' neutral sonic profile and clarity with voices, but with added weight, greater detail and even better dynamic subtlety. 

The performance is engaging and entertaining right from the second we start listening. It’s a richer, more powerful sound, with more layers and textures to dynamic shifts, keeping you hooked on a song. 

There's a superb sense of drive, too. The AirPods Pro 2 are rhythmically agile and nimble, while still sounding wonderfully open and airy.

But do they best the Sonys? Despite the lack of any higher-quality codecs, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a more nuanced, solid and dynamic performance, with a spacious presentation that's unheard of in wireless earbuds.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: noise-cancellation

Apple's H2 chip and new "optimised" placement of the acoustic vents and mics in the Pro 2 combine to offer active noise-cancelling that's reportedly twice as effective compared with the original Pros.

And the Pro 2's noise-cancelling is incredibly effective indeed. It's a big step up above the previous model, with background noise reduced to a mere murmur. It’s a comfortable effect, too, and they do a great job of letting you enjoy your music without much distraction from the world around you.

It's a shame there are no degrees of ANC to choose from or customise. However, the new Adaptive Transparency feature works well, taking the edge off the harsher screeches and scrapes on the London Underground. 

The Sony XM4's noise-cancelling is excellent, too. We said in our review: "you'll struggle to find better noise cancellation at this level". While that no longer remains the case as the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II have taken the mantle as the best ANC earbuds, the Sony are still more than satisfactory in damping down external noise.

There's very little difference between them here, but to our ears, AirPods Pro 2 are a tad more comfortable to listen to with ANC turned on. There's barely any of that "vacuum" feeling that ANC usually brings, which makes us forget the mode is even on at times.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Pro 2**

AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM4: verdict

This is one that sparked many debates at What Hi-Fi? HQ. Both wireless earbuds have impressed us since their respective launches, and the Sonys in particular should be applauded for still being one of our favourites, nearly two years on.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 win in the all-important categories of sound quality and ANC, but the Sonys are now cheaper than before, meaning you get a fabulous pair of flagship buds at a great price. It's why we have no problem recommending the WF-1000XM4 (until a new version comes out, hopefully soon) even if they no longer take the top podium.

It's clear, however, that the newer AirPods Pro 2 have come on leaps and bounds when it comes to sound quality. Their performance is richer, more open and more detailed than the Sony XM4, and while both are effective noise-cancellers, the Pro 2 offer a more comfortable experience.

MORE:

I've switched from Sony's XM4 wireless earbuds to Bose – here's why I don't really miss them

And our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review

These are the best wireless earbuds you can buy

I spoke to Apple to find out the secret behind the AirPods Pro 2’s audio success

Apple's AirPods Pro 2 finally hit stores this year, but before 2022's done you can get yourself a pair on a deep discount, thanks to this Amazon sale. Grab a pair of AirPods Pro 2 for $50 off at just $200 on Amazon while supplies last! But fair warning, they won't be making it in time for Christmas.

When we reviewed the Apple AirPods Pro 2 at What Hi-Fi?, we gave them five stars and complimented their clear, detailed sound; excellent noise-cancelling; awesome battery life; and smooth UX. If you're in the market for a new pair of buds, the AirPods Pro 2 are worth a look!

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2022) Amazon deal

The AirPods Pro 2 were announced during Apple's iPhone 14 event this September 2022 and aim to progress the wireless noise-canceling earbuds across the board. While the highly anticipated sequels largely mirror their predecessor's design, Apple has improved the earpiece controls by adding volume adjustment.

The headline news is the introduction of personalized spatial audio that will allow the user to, using the camera of an Apple device running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16, create profiles based on their own unique ear in order to deliver the optimum spatial experience.

Elsewhere, battery life is up from 24 hours to 30, there's an additional XS eartip size in the box, and both sound quality and, according to Apple, the AirPods Pro's already-excellent active noise cancellation has been improved courtesy of a new "low distortion" driver and H2 chip in the new Pros.

All in all, the new AirPods Pro 2nd gen look to bring a smattering of welcome – if not revolutionizing – improvements to Apple's top-of-the-line earbuds. So if you have already decided that they are to be your next earbuds, it makes sense to take advantage of this Amazon deal while you still can.

Plus, since the AirPods Pro 2 (2022) just came out this year, we'd wager that we're not likely to see a better deal on these buds come around for a while.

MORE:

AirPods Pro 2 (2022) vs AirPods Pro: which Apple earbuds are better?

The one big feature missing from the AirPods Pro 2: hi-res audio playback

The best wireless earbuds you can buy

You can finally tune your Sonos speakers' equaliser settings using your iPhone 14 or 14 Pro. Sonos TruePlay has been available on a wide and varied range of phones since it launched in 2015 but has only just come to Apple's newest iPhones, a full three months after they launched.

The feature was spotted by an eagle-eyed reader of 9to5Mac. Sonos' support page, ahem, supports this – it says all fully supported iOS and iPadOS devices are supported, apart from some exceptions. The iPhone 14 range isn't listed as among the exceptions.

The feature might be rolling out by region though, so you might have to wait for it to trickle down to your locale. We have contacted Sonos for clarification, though.

The Sonos Roam and Move – Sonos' portable speakers – have automatic TruePlay, which doesn't require any extra hardware. But the rest of its speakers need an external device in order to calibrate. TruePlay analyses your surroundings and adjusts the audio output accordingly, so no matter where you place the speaker, you'll get the best performance.

And if you think iPhone 14 owners have had a long wait for TruePlay, spare a thought for those on Android – the feature still isn't available on Google's mobile operating system.

MORE:

Get up to speed: Sonos: everything you need to know

Wondering where your money should go? Which Sonos speaker should you buy?

Don't fancy Sonos? Here are the best Sonos alternatives for multi-room audio

If you have made your latest pair of wireless headphones the Sony WH-1000XM5, congratulations – you now own the best-value premium pair on the planet. As you will probably have already experienced, these multi-Award winners offer a class-leading combination of sound performance, features and comfort, and are the most recommendable pair until you get to roughly AirPods Max money.

But as noise-cancelling headphones can do more and more nowadays, with many pairs boasting multiple connectivity functions, various active ANC modes and companion apps, it can be difficult to know whether you are making the most out of everything they can offer. Below we have rustled up some tips and answered FAQs to help you get to know your Sony XM5 a little better...

How to set up the Sony WH-1000XM5 app

To get the most out of the WH-1000XM5, you'll need to install the Sony Headphones Connect companion app on your iOS or Android device.

The app is a gateway to all kinds of features. It lets you, for example, see the headphones' battery life without taking them off; manually select noise-cancelling and ambient aware modes; tweak the sound equaliser; and enable/disable features such as Speak-to-Chat (which automatically pause music and engage aware mode when you start talking) and multi-point connection (which lets you connect to and manage two devices simultaneously).

You can also set up a personalised experience for listening to 360 Reality Audio music, track how you're using your XM5 in an activity log, and match up on-cup touch controls to specific actions.

The app installs firmware updates, too, and there's also a Help section for any problems you might be having.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 sweat resistant / waterproof?

No, sadly not. The XM5 are not waterproof, nor are they sweat-resistant. According to the user manual, "if water or foreign matter enters the headset, this can result in burnout or malfunction". That means you should be wary of wearing them out in the rain or during running or exercise where moisture or sweat could leak into the internals.

It is a blot on an otherwise impressive spec sheet, though over-ear headphones tend not to offer much in the way of waterproofness.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM5 connect to the PS5? Are they good for gaming?

Many premium gaming headsets these days offer some form of surround sound in an effort to make your gaming experience more immersive. However, these rarely tend to work well, so it's worth prioritising good, old-fashioned stereo sound quality and considering any surround sound processing (which the Sonys do not have) as a potential bonus.

Sonically, the Sony XM5 are certainly up to the gaming job. There are, however, a few logistical things to consider around connectivity. Despite the PS4 and PS5 being Sony consoles, they don't natively support the Sony XM5 – unlike dedicated Sony gaming headset models like the (very good) PlayStation Pulse 3D Wireless Headset and newer Sony InZone headsets. That doesn't mean the XM5 can't be used; you simply need to buy and connect a Bluetooth adapter/transmitter to the console's USB port. It's this adapter that the headphones wirelessly connect to over Bluetooth, rather than the console itself, so you'll just need to make sure it is selected as the 'audio output' in the PlayStation's 'sound' settings. The headphones' mic won't work while connected, though the PlayStation controller has a built-in mic that works well.

If you're finding there is a lag issue over a wireless connection, you can always wire the XM5 to the console by plugging them into the 3.5mm jack at the bottom of the DualSense controller.

Can the Sony WH-1000XM5 be wired?

Yes, the Sony XM5 can be wired for occasions when you need to on a plane, have run out of battery life or simply prefer a wired experience. While some wireless ANC headphones require battery life to even facilitate wired playback as their drivers require power to work, the Sonys do not, meaning you will never be left completely in the lurch if their 30- (with ANC on) or 40- (without ANC) hour battery life expires before you can recharge them.

If you do have battery life left in your Sony XM5, they can be used wired with noise cancellation activated too.

How to connect the Sony WH-1000XM5 to a PC or Mac (and other devices)

To listen wired, you can directly plug the Sony XM5 into the 3.5mm headphone jack of a Mac, laptop, computer or any other device with that headphones output via the 3.5mm audio cable included in the XM5's box.

If you have an Android phone or iPhone that doesn't have a 3.5mm jack (phones with them are rare nowadays, after all), you will need to purchase a USB-C-to-3.5mm or Lightning-to-3.5mm adaptor. While many wireless headphones now offer wired listening through their USB-C port, unfortunately the XM5's USB port is only for charging.

To listen wirelessly over Bluetooth, pairing your Mac* and Sony XM5 requires opening the 'Bluetooth File Exchange' application on your Mac and waiting for the XM5 to appear in the list of available devices. For this to happen, the XM5 need to have charge, be within one metre of the Mac, and be in pairing mode, which can be achieved by holding down the power button (right ear cup) for five seconds until the indicator light flashes blue and a voice inside the XM5 says 'pairing'.

Once a pairing between the XM5 and the device has been established, they will then automatically connect when the XM5 are turned on and within distance.

*For other devices, simply open their Bluetooth settings menu and follow the subsequent pairing steps.

Do the Sony WH-1000XM5 work with iPhone?

Yes, you can use the WH-1000XM5 with any iPhone. To connect the two devices together wirelessly over Bluetooth, power on the XM5 and put them in pairing mode (hold down the power button on the right earcup for five seconds until the indicator light flashes blue and a voice inside the XM5 says 'pairing'), then open your iPhone's Bluetooth menu (in Settings) and click on the 'Sony WH-1000XM5' that appears within it to establish a connection.

They will connect using the AAC Bluetooth codec – one of the 'standard' codecs – as supported by the XM5 and all iPhones. It is lower in transmission quality than the more efficient LDAC codec that the XM5 also support, but iPhones do not support LDAC and therefore it cannot be used.

You can also connect the XM5 and an iPhone wired, via a cable. If you have an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, which have a USB-C port, you will need a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter, to which you can plug in the XM5's supplied 3.5mm audio cable. If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port instead, you will need a Lightning-to-3.5mm adaptor.

Can the Sony WH-1000XM5 connect to multiple devices?

Yes, the XM5 have Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing you to connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously. It can come in extremely handy if, for example, you are listening to audio from your laptop but need to be connected to your phone so that you don’t miss any calls. If a call comes in, you can seamlessly switch over to your phone without having to faff around unpairing your laptop, repairing your phone... and inevitably missing your call!

Having this ability can be a godsend and it works seamlessly enough, once you have enabled the feature in the Sony Headphones app.

While previously you couldn't use this multi-connect feature at the same time as streaming music over the LDAC Bluetooth codec, Sony released an update in 2023 that made this possible.

Are the Sony WH-1000XM5 worth it?

In short, yes – the Sony XM5 are worth it, particularly now that their original launch price of £380 / $399 / AU$550 has come down significantly in the past year or so. Compared to their closest rivals, including five-star pairs from Bose and Sennheiser, we think they are the best-value wireless headphones on the market, as is represented by their What Hi-Fi? Best Buy awards over the past two years.

In 2024, they won our 'Best wireless headphones over £200' Award and are our 'Best Overall' pick in our wireless headphones buying guide.

They set the benchmark for performance-per-pound (or dollar) value at this premium end of the market, although you can get superior sound quality if you are prepared to spend more for, for example, the AirPods Max, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Focal Bathys. Noise-cancelling is slightly better in the pricier Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, too. And if you find the regularly discounted Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are significantly less than the Sony XM5, they are worthy alternatives.

Sound quality aside, the Sony XM5 boast a decent spread of connectivity and usability features that make them a dream to own, and build and comfort don't let them down either. They're a solid all-round package, which you can read more about in our comprehensive Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

Where to buy the Sony WH-1000XM5

Most, if not all, consumer electronics stores (physical and online) should stock the Sony XM5, such as Amazon worldwide, John Lewis, Currys and Argos in the UK, Best Buy, Walmart and Crutchfield in the US, and The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi and Dick Smith in Australia. Sony also sells them directly in each of those countries via its webstore.

Sony's WH-1000XM models have been some of the most popular over-ear headphones for years now so are widely stocked and don't tend to have stock issues. You can see the best XM5 deal prices currently available online...

Sony WH-1000XM5 vs XM4? What are the differences?

While the WH-1000XM5 are the latest and greatest pair of premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones from Sony, the older WH-1000XM4 are just about still available to buy – and, due to their age, at a more affordable price point. You can expect there to be roughly £100/$100/AU$150 between them as the final XM4 stock begins to leave shelves. Bargains are bound to be had on both pairs in the Black Friday sales.

For those who cannot stretch their budget to the XM5, we actually consider the XM4 the next-best option in the wireless headphones market. They offer many of the XM5's attributes and are still pretty competitive next to newer Bose and Sennheiser rivals.

But what would you be missing out on exactly? We have stringently compared the two Sony models in the specification, design and sound quality departments so you can decide which pair is best for you, the Sony WH-1000XM5 or WH-1000XM4.

MORE:

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Our expert pick of the best wireless headphones you can buy

How to choose the right pair of headphones for you

How do the Sony WH-1000XM5 stack up? Read our comparisons:

• Sony XM5 vs Apple AirPods Max
• Sony XM5 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
• Sony XM5 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
• Sony XM5 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
• Sony XM5 vs Sonos Ace

His Dark Materials season 3, based on the final novel in Philip Pullman’s fantasy trilogy, premieres on HBO Max on Monday 5th December 2022. Officially, HBO Max is only available in the US but it's possible for US subscribers overseas to watch His Dark Materials season 3 on HBO Max from anywhere with a VPN. Read on and we'll explain how to watch His Dark Materials season 3 from wherever you are.

• Watch His Dark Materials season 3: HBO Max – only $9.99 a month

Based on The Amber Spyglass, the third season of the BAFTA-winning HBO and BBC co-production explores the aftermath of Lyra’s (Dafne Keen) abduction, as Will (Amir Wilson) ramps up his plan to save her. No spoilers, but it looks like we can expect the return of some old favourites and a surprising new dæmon...

The BBC has announced that the eight-episode series "opens with Lyra unconscious, having been given a sleeping draught by her mother, as Will, still carrying the Subtle Knife, continues his quest to find her". But it seems that Will is not the only one after Lyra. Father President MacPhail will continue his mission to destroy the child of the prophecy.

In the UK? You'll have to wait longer for the His Dark Materials season 3. It's not due to arrive on BBC iPlayer until 18th December.

Episode 1 of His Dark Materials season 3 lands on HBO Max on Monday 5th December. New episodes air weekly. Make sure you know how to sign up to HBO Max to watch His Dark Materials S3 from wherever you are.

When to watch His Dark Materials season 3: episode guide

• Episode 1 – Monday 5th December 2022
• Episode 2 – Monday 5th December 2022
• Episode 3 – Monday 12th December 2022
• Episode 4 – Monday 12th December 2022
• Episode 5 – Monday 19th December 2022
• Episode 6 – Monday 19th December 2022
• Episode 7 – Monday 26th December 2022 
• Episode 8 – Monday 26th December 2022

How to watch His Dark Materials season 3 on HBO Max from outside the US

Although HBO Max is only available in the US at the moment, it's relatively simple for subscribers to access the service while traveling outside the US using a reliable VPN or "Virtual Private Network" allowing you to watch on your laptop, smart TV, set-top box or streaming stick.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. ExpressVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. For HBO Max, you may wish to choose 'US'.

3. Then head over to HBO Max on your browser or device and enjoy watching His Dark Materials season 3 online.

Do I need a US credit card for HBO Max?

If you don't have a credit card issued in the US the best option is to use PayPal or subscribe on your iPhone/iPad or Android phone/tablet. 

How to sign up to HBO Max without a US credit card:

1. Launch your chosen VPN and select US as your country 

2. Create a new Apple ID/Google account remembering to have US as your country. (Apple users can use a UK phone number but should head to the Apple ID website to sign up, rather than using an app on their device). 

3. Use your new Apple ID/Google account to access the US Apple App Store or US Google Play Store and download the HBO Max app.

4. Subscribe to HBO Max through the HBO Max app, using PayPal (this can be a UK account) as your method of payment.

5. You should now be able to sign in to your HBO Max account from any device.  

Fun fact: you can use this method to subscribe to other US streaming services, including Hulu and Peacock TV, as well as the (cheaper) US versions of Disney+ and Netflix.

Do remember that if you can't get this working, you can always get your money back from ExpressVPN within 30 days if you've changed your mind about using their VPN service.

Where can I watch His Dark Materials season 3 in the UK?

All episodes of his Dark Materials season 3 will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 18th December 2022. 

Remember: New episodes of arrive much earlier on HBO Max. UK nationals travelling in the US can watch HBO Max from abroad with a VPN. Instructions above.

Where can I watch His Dark Materials season 3 in Australia?

Aussies can watch episodes of His Dark Materials on streaming service Binge. Season 3 starts on Tuesday 6th December.

Don't forget: Aussie nationals travelling overseas can use a VPN to access His Dark Materials S3 on Binge.

His Dark Materials season 3 official trailer 

• Fancy an upgrade? Here are the best TVs
• Or save money with these unmissable cheap TV deals

If you're looking for an affordable small TV for a second room, this new Roku set could be the one for you. It's part of RCA's first range of TVs to launch in the UK, all models of which run Roku's smart operating system, giving them access to thousands of apps and streaming services.

RCA (Radio Corporation of America) has been in business for over 100 years, having started in 1919 as a reorganisation of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America. It subsequently bought the Victor Talking Machine Company, which was then the world's largest manufacturer of both records and phonographs, and also created the technology used in the first colour TVs (renamed as NTSC). In TV circles, then, RCA is kind of a big deal.

The TVs in this new RCA range are eminently wallet-friendly, none more so than the HD 32-inch model which costs just £129.99. The larger sets are still very reasonably priced for their specification – there's a 40-inch FHD model for £169.99 and a 4K 55-incher for £269.99. They're all available at Amazon today.

The Roku smart operating system is the jewel in their crown. This brings access to global streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ for those with subscriptions, alongside local (and free) favourites such as Freeview Play, BBC iPlayer and All 4. Plenty more video, music and utility apps are available, as is The Roku Channel – home of the recent Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, which stars Daniel Radcliffe and has received pretty good reviews.

Roku's OS also brings a customisable home screen and universal search function which orders results by price. It supports the Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants and is compatible with AirPlay 2 wireless tech for one-touch casting from an iOS device.

TVs with the Roku OS integrated are also made by Hisense, TCL and Metz, though the RCA sets are all made in the company's factory in South Wales.

Buy an RCA Roku TV and you can get 30 days' free Discovery+ when you activate your account, too.

MORE:

Which Roku TV should you buy? Find out here

Check out our list of the best TVs around

And don't miss the best TV shows to watch on Netflix right now

3D audio has been more of a buzzword than 3D anything else for some years now, and since Apple introduced its own 3D audio technology – called ‘spatial audio’ – in 2021, the term has been bandied around at nearly every Apple device launch event. Apple’s spatial audio has been an enjoyable addition to the iOS and AirPods experience… for iOS and AirPods users. But what about Android users? 

Well, many non-Apple devices support immersive sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio, and from next year we will start seeing other phone and headphones manufacturers launch models with the spatial audio experience. That’s because, as well as Android 13 laying down the framework for an Android spatial audio experience, telecomms giant Qualcomm is launching new chips that support its own version of spatial audio technology – Dynamic Spatial Audio – for the first time, and they will begin finding themselves in devices in the coming months. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone chip will likely come to many of the flagship Android phones, while the new S3 or S5 Gen 2 audio chip is the one headphone and speaker brands will need to snap up (and Bose looks set to be one of those committed brands).

I attended the company’s annual conference and got a taster of what to expect from Qualcomm’s Dynamic Spatial Audio. So firstly, what is it? Well, like any and all 3D audio technologies and formats, Dynamic Spatial Audio delivers audio content – straight-up music, or soundtracks for films or games – in a broader, more dimensional soundscape in an effort to immerse the listener in sound. The ‘Dynamic’ part refers to something rather crucial – that the soundfield can move and adapt as the listener’s head turns so that the audio is always ‘glued’ to the location of the screen. So, if you’re wearing headphones with your phone in front of you while watching a film and you twist your head to the right, the headphones’ soundfield between your ears shifts more to the left earbud – just as, in a real-life situation, your left ear would hear more of what someone in front of you was saying than your right ear if you turned your head to the right. The idea is that it feels more natural.

Now, I’ve heard spatial audio through an iPhone/iPad and AirPods 3/Pro before, so I knew roughly what to expect. It seems a bit strange – redundant even – to have the head-tracking feature for moments when you’re sat comfortably looking straight ahead at a screen, though the adjustments do kick in for even the subtlest head movements – not just when you’re mimicking an owl for demonstration’s sake (or spinning around and around on the spot like some other journalist decided to do for his demonstration…). On previous occasions, I have found the effect more worthwhile when more casually watching something on a screen in a kitchen while moving around it, and I can imagine this being an even better experience through a wireless speaker that detects your body movement across a room as opposed to through headphones when you don’t want the isolation that headphones inherently provide. This could well materialise, though I imagine the spatial audio experience will first and foremost be offered through headphones.

This particular demo was admittedly modest, comprised of a phone in a fixed position on a stand playing an Adele track and then an instructional walk-through video on the technology while I was wearing a pair of non-branded earbuds (which would have had the sensors that are necessary to detect the phone’s position) connected to it over Bluetooth. Swap out the demo material for a blockbuster film, the unbranded earbuds for a pair of commercially available earbuds (or, better yet, over-ear headphones), and the journalist-packed conference room for a living room or train carriage, and you have an idea of an IRL setup and use case that will be available from next year. Is it likely you’ll experience this as soon as next year? That rather depends on how many phone and headphone manufacturers opt to use one of Qualcomm’s new Dynamic Spatial Audio-supporting chips, and whether you’re planning on replacing both your existing phone and earbuds next year. Indeed, both the screen device and headphones need to have the chips (again, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for the phone, and S3 or S5 Gen 2 for the headphones) for them to play ball, so what you’re currently using now is off the menu, I’m sorry to say.

An opinion I apparently share with many people on the internet who have experienced spatial audio songs on Apple Music through headphones or speakers, spatial audio can sound pretty odd with music, and it can sound pretty cool with music. It can depend on the way the song was mixed, or just on your preference really. The Adele song came through a soundstage that sounded as ’spatialised’ as other times I’ve experienced the other variant of the technology: it sounded opened up and her spotlight voice and the sparse instrumental accompaniment had more space around it than what it does in good ol’ (unspatialised) stereo. Anyone who has heard a Dolby Atmos- or 360 Reality Audio-mixed song through headphones should know what I mean. I turned to the left to avoid the event’s photographer snapping my face and the audio moved to keep aligned with the static screen, with Adele’s vocals shifting more into the right ear. It worked, I just don’t know how much that music experience will really catch on.

What’s less up for debate – in my book, at least – is how effective the technology is with film soundtracks (and I would imagine gaming too, due to the similarly cinematic nature of game soundtracks and effects), which is to say that it’s very effective. Indeed, the video clip’s audio had more elements to it than the music, and the spatialising and head-tracking function seemed better suited, even if it was far from the best demo material or advert for the technology. Like everything, its implementation will have varying degrees of effectiveness based on the quality of the devices’ sound capability and perhaps even of their sensors, but if done right this should draw a crowd.

My colleague not long ago wrote about how compelling a movie experience you can get from 'just' an iPad and pair of AirPods Max, partly thanks to the duo’s spatial skills, and this on-the-go movie experience is where I can see spatial audio thriving. Look out for the technology brandished on headphones, earbuds and speakers next year, particularly if you’re someone who watches a lot of TV or films or plays games on portable screens.

MORE:

Award-winning Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II will sound even better in 2023

Dynamic spatial audio is coming to Android phones for more immersive gaming and movie watching

aptX Lossless: what is the breakthrough Bluetooth codec? How can you get it?

We're often questioned as to why we review smartphones when our wheelhouse is primarily hi-fi and home cinema products. Simply put, a smartphone is the primary device for listening to music for the majority of people out there, and now that nearly every phone is equipped with an OLED screen, it's probably the highest quality display that many people own.

Taking music and movies on the go is more popular than ever before, and for those who value cinematic authenticity and an audiophile experience for their long-haul flights or daily commute. Therefore, we think scoring the latest handsets to see how well they fulfil these duties is pretty important.

We've reviewed the latest handsets from Apple and Samsung, bestowing each company with an Award, respectively. We also have Sony's latest flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 VII, in our testing room, so keep your eyes peeled for that review coming soon.

There are a couple of omissions on this list that we're hoping to test in the near future. These include the iPhone 17 Pro and Sony Xperia 10 VII; one being a pricey flagship phone, the other a contender for the "best cheap" smartphone title on this very list.

Speaking of the list, each handset has been thoroughly reviewed by our expert team, testing picture and audio quality primarily, as well as crucial other features such as day-to-day performance and camera quality. You can find out more about how we test smartphones here.

Now, without further ado, here are the best smartphones for music and movies...

The quick list

The best smartphone overall

Apple's latest "standard" iPhone happens to be one of its best smartphones in years. It sports the best display of a non-Pro iPhone yet, with a larger and brighter 6.3-inch OLED screen that can reach a peak brightness of 3000 nits. Better yet, it finally has Apple's ProMotion display tech, which can adjust the refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz depending on the content you're viewing.

It supports Dolby Vision too, and when we play movies on this display, we're treated to a rich, vibrant and detailed image with improved contrast compared to its predecessor.

That's backed up by excellent audio, which includes support for Dolby Atmos via headphones and the built-in stereo speaker system. It delivers a crisp, natural and engaging sound, making it an accomplished portable music player too.

This superb AV performance is wrapped in a stylish and tough chassis with more scratch-resistant glass. You'll also find a superb camera system on board, Apple's latest A19 chipset and iOS 26 operating system, and an impressively stoic battery, which can keep the phone powered through many hours of movie watching.

Read the full Apple iPhone 17 review

The best premium smartphone

As well as covering all the expected chops of a smartphone these days, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stood out to us for its excellent AV features. Its "solid and three-dimensional" image quality is partly down to the phone's new picture-enhancing and ProScaler feature.

During testing, we said: "The S25 Ultra wastes no time in showing us how capable its display is, with the John Wick scene in which Caine is recruited by the villainous Marquis Vincent Bisset de Gramont having an abundance of sharp details."

The handset's sound quality does not quite match up to that of its picture but we still deem it to be a solid effort from Samsung overall, dubbing it "clear and spacious". It supports Dolby Atmos via its stereo speakers (comprising the earpiece and downward-firing loudspeaker) and headphones (wired and wireless).

In terms of other features, the S25 Ultra takes much of what we liked about its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. The latter's Galaxy AI system is carried on to the S25 Ultra, including the incredibly useful Circle to Search with Google, Generative Edit photo editing suite, Live Translation tools and Chat Assist feature. Samsung upgraded this feature for the S25 Ultra, however, by including a new on-device large language model (LLM), which will reportedly make the generative fill tools in the photo editor more reliable and accurate.

Bundle that with lightning-fast performance, a quality camera system and a new titanium frame, and we think Samsung is onto a winner. If the next generation of Galaxy smartphones can nail the sound subtleties, then Sony and Apple could be in trouble.

Read the full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

The best mid-range smartphone

Apple's smartphones have a tendency to lean towards the pricier side, so when rumours began of a reinvented take on its "SE" series, we were immediately intrigued.

The iPhone 16e wasn't what we expected, but we were impressed nonetheless. It delivers most of what we loved about the iPhone 16 in a cheaper package with a few stripped-back features. This includes dropping the Dynamic Island, MagSafe and secondary ultrawide lens.

However, the major AV features remained, with an OLED display which supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, as well as Dolby Atmos audio. Furthermore, it sports the Apple A18 chip found in the more premium iPhone 16, and it even works with Apple Intelligence.

Most importantly, it delivers most of what the iPhone 16 has to offer at a lower price. Movies and TV shows look balanced, crisp and punchy on the OLED display, and headphone audio is frankly superb thanks to its rich and detailed all-around performance.

If you're not open to spending flagship money, but only an iPhone will do, then the 16e is a great choice.

Read the full Apple iPhone 16e review

The best cheap smartphone

It's easy to think that you would get the best phone by paying top dollar, but Sony's Xperia 10 VI proves that this is doesn't have to be the case. While its AV features don't match up to more expensive models from the likes of Apple or Sony, it still offers a brilliant on-the-go entertainment experience.

Sony's Xperia series utilises the strategy of cutting down on premium build materials and camera performance, while retaining picture quality in order to reach a more affordable price point. It really pays off, as the Xperia 10 VI delivers a striking and balanced picture. We said in our review: "The opening sequence of Blade Runner 2049 is delivered with well-defined outlines and plenty of detailed texture in clothing, skin and the environment alike. While the display can appear to lean cooler than we prefer, the colours overall remain balanced and well-judged, leading to a pleasingly natural-looking image."

In terms of audio performance, it performs extremely well with headphones. When playing Taylor Swift's The 1, we described it as spacious and dynamic. Its speaker system without headphones is less remarkable but still very much acceptable, and the front-firing stereo pair produces a decent weight.

One thing to bear in mind is the Xperia's camera quality, as it failed to wow us in testing. It gets the job done for quick snaps here and there, but if you’re serious about smartphone photography, this phone will not satisfy your needs.

If that's not a problem for you and you're drawn in by the Xperia 10 VI's performance with music and movies, this could be the perfect budget phone for you.

Read the full Sony Xperia 10 VI review

Also consider

The best alternative smartphones we've tested:

Sony Xperia 1 VI: It's been succeeded by the Xperia 1 VII now, but the 1 VI remains an excellent option for those who want a smartphone that puts AV performance above all else. It features a headphone jack for wired audio, and all of the major Bluetooth audio codecs, as well as a crisp and detailed OLED display. It may not be a mainstream choice, but it's a great option for enthusiasts.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Foldable phones are firmly in the mainstream now, and it just so happens that Samsung's latest model is a great option. The Flip 7 sports a clamshell design which unfolds into a 21:9 OLED display; which happens to be the perfect aspect ratio for cinematic content. When folded, we especially like how it functions as a nifty portable music player.

How to choose the best smartphone for you

Picking the right smartphone that suits your needs best is harder than it sounds, and may in fact be a trickier task than picking the best TV or headphones. You use your smartphone every day, and for many of us it houses all the integral things we need to keep our day running smoothly. This is where the essentials come into play: good battery life, a design that's comfortable to hold, and a screen that's not too big and not too small.

Many of us also acquire our smartphones through a contract, most commonly these run for 24 months, so you need to plan ahead. Will the phone you choose have a powerful enough processor and enough RAM to last for two years? Which software platform do you want: Apple's iOS that's exclusive to iPhones, or Google's Android platform that's used by the likes of Samsung, Sony and OnePlus? And does the phone have enough features to keep you going for that time, such as a versatile camera or micro SD card support to expand the memory.

However, if you're after the highest quality AV performance (as we are), then that's where things become more black and white. You'll want an OLED screen for inky blacks and vibrant colours, with a 18:9 or 21:9 aspect ratio and minimal bezels, ideal for watching content uninterrupted and as the the filmmaker intended. As standard, many phones come with either a 1080p or 1440p, or in some cases a 4K display on the highest-end models. As smartphone displays are much smaller than TVs and even tablets, they are often very pixel dense, meaning that the highest resolution isn't always paramount, so don't be put off if your handset doesn't feature the highest-spec screen.

Audio is equally important, and the audio landscape on mobile phones has changed greatly in the last few years. Many now feature a stereo speaker setup that combines a loudspeaker and earpiece to create an often impressively loud and spacious sound. However what modern smartphones giveth, they must also taketh away as is the case with the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is an endangered beast on modern devices.

With all of these key factors in mind, many see it a daunting task to pick a new phone, dreading the day their contract is up. But fear not, all of the picks above are fully approved by us, which should be enough to help you make your decision.

Smartphone FAQ

How we test the best smartphones

While it’s true that smartphones aren’t our core focus at What Hi-Fi? (the clue’s in the name), the fact that they’ve become many people’s most-used item of technology, and for some the primary way they consume music and video, we think that it’s important to find out which ones are the best at doing just that.

Every product we test at What Hi-Fi? is subject to the same thorough process, which involves spending some time in our state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath with our expert reviewers, but perhaps more than any other product type we also spend time with smartphones out in the real world. We use them in our day-to-day lives – while we commute, around the office, out and about at the weekends – testing every feature exhaustively.

Of course, we pay particular attention to the audio and video performance, so while it’s important to try out the camera and see how long the battery lasts, our smartphone reviews are skewed towards listening to music and watching videos. If that’s also important to you, you should read them carefully before taking the plunge on a phone that you might have to keep for the next two years or more.

Every smartphone we test is compared to its rivals, whether that’s the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or a handset from one of the newer upstarts like OnePlus, and all verdicts are the result of a collaboration that involves the whole editorial team, so you’re never getting the opinion of just one reviewer.

For more on how we test and review products, you can read our in-depth guide.

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Excitement is building ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 – the first World Cup to take place in the Middle East. Can't get to a TV for the match? No problem. You can see the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on your mobile phone wherever you go. There are free streaming options that offer excellent Android and iOS apps. Travelling abroad? Make sure you know how to access your usual mobile free streams from anywhere in the world.

The opening Group A clash between Qatar and Ecuador is a weekend affair for most, offering a good chance that you'll have the TV in the comfort of your own home to watch it on. The problems arise during those tricky weekday games that kick-off during work hours.

Don't sweat it if your company hasn't been kind enough to install some big screens on the wall. Catching the World Cup on your phone, tablet or mobile device couldn't be easier. There are free stream options with commentary in just about any language you'd like to listen in.

If you happen to be on a business trip somewhere, you can simply use a mobile VPN to access your app streams no matter where you are on the planet. Not used a VPN before? Follow our guide below.

Watching Qatar 2022 free on your phone

Good news! UK fans can watch every match free on BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. Both streaming services are available through your mobile browser, or via user-friendly mobile apps. 

Use a VPN to watch iPlayer and ITV Hub live streams when overseas.

Other free World Cup 2022 live streams include SBS On-Demand (Australia) and ORF (Austria). We recommend ExpressVPN as it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Next up: full details on how to use a VPN.

Watching mobile streams from abroad

You won't be able to watch through your regular mobile apps while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.

It's a straightforward piece of software which sets your phone or tablet to appear as if it's in the right country, allowing you to watch your apps streams from anywhere in the world.

We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

How to use a VPN

Using a VPN to watch the World Cup on your phone or tablet couldn't be easier.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. ExpressVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access on your phone/tablet. For the Qatar World Cup, you may wish to choose 'UK' for BBC and ITV.

3. Head over to BBC / ITV on your mobile browser (or download the BBC / ITV apps).

USMNT soccer streams on your phone

In the USA, Fox Sports has the TV rights to the Qatar World Cup. Don't have cable? No problem. The Sling and Fubo TV mobile apps both offer easy streaming access to Fox Sports...

Cordcutters can also stream every game live through Peacock Premium (from $5/month) in Spanish.

And don't forget: licence-paying UK smartphone users can watch every live match free across BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. Always use a VPN to access these services when travelling away from home in the UK.

Qatar 2022 on your phone in Australia

If you're in Australia, local streaming service SBS on Demand will provide live coverage of the Qatar World Cup. Phone and tablet users can also watch via the SBS apps (iOS/Android).

Stuck away from your home in Oz at the moment? You'll need to use a VPN to access the free SBS live stream on your phone without being geo-blocked.

UK: Qatar 2022 on your phone

Viewers in the UK can catch Qatar 2022 live on the BBC, ITV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, ITV X, STV and STV Player, as well as via the user-friendly BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub apps (iOS/Android).  

The BBC will show England's opening match against Iran and group match against Wales, and have first pick of the semi-finals. ITV will show Wales's group match with the USA, Brazil's clashes with Switzerland and Cameroon, and France's match against Denmark. Both channels will broadcast the 2022 World Cup final on 18th December.

Full list of BBC/ITV matches here.

Can I get Qatar 2022 games on my phone in 4K?

While World Cup 2022 4K coverage is available through many devices, neither Fox, in the US, nor iPlayer, in the UK, supports 4K streams through their mobile phone apps. If you want to catch the match in 4K HDR, a TV is a far better option.

• Shop today's best TV deals – 4K, QLED, OLED, HDR

• Upgrade the action: best TVs
• Go big this year: best projectors

For years, Sony has consistently produced some of the best noise-cancelling headphones we have tested. Its latest model in the premium wireless over-ear market, the WH-1000XM5, blew us away with their sensational sonic clarity and strong noise cancellation, and have won the What Hi-Fi? Award in their category two years on the trot.

Sony has invariably faced plenty of competition: Sennheiser and Bose have always knocked on the door. But in recent years, so has Apple. In 2020, the iPhone maker boldly released its first over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max, at a considerably higher price point, and they scored top marks for their exquisite design, cinematic spatial audio and next-level sound quality. This year, Apple updated the AirPods Max – but only with new colour finishes and a USB-C charging port, so our comparisons here between the Sony XM5 and AirPods Max remain relevant.

These two top-class headphones are class leaders at their price point to this very day – so which should you choose? Having thoroughly tested and lived with both pairs since their respective release dates, we have compared their specs, designs, comfort, noise-cancelling performance and sound quality below to help guide your buying decision.

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: price

Both pairs are flagship models. The WH-1000XM5 sit at the very top of Sony's wireless over-ear line, above the WH-C720N, while the AirPods Max are currently Apple's only over-ears.

The AirPods Max are – and probably always will be – the pricier pair. They launched in 2020 at £549 / $549 / AU$899, and despite their age that RRP has held up pretty well. We have seen them discounted by as much as £/$/AU$100 during sales events such as Black Friday (November) and Amazon Prime Day (July and October), but a price drop of around 10 per cent is more typical outside of these times.

That said, now that the refreshed AirPods Max 2 have arrived – and at the same price – we could soon see the originals discounted by an unprecedented amount as the final stock makes way for the new USB-C variant.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, meanwhile, are significantly more affordable. In 2022, they launched more in line with previous WH-1000XM models and rivals from Sennheiser and Bose at £380 / $399 / AU$550, but they can now often be picked up for around £260 / $280 / AU$500.

Today's best prices for both pairs are below.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: design

• AirPods Max justify their premium price with a more luxury build
• AirPods Max come in a choice of colours; Sonys are black or silver
• Sonys sport a much better carrying case

The Sony WH-1000XM5 sport a different design from their predecessors, the multi-award-winning WH-1000XM4. Their radical revamp incorporates a "noiseless design" (old joints and hinges have been removed to create a seamless look) and eco-friendly plastic formed from recycled car parts. Our in-house reviews team noted that the XM5 look less premium than their predecessor as a result, but we couldn't fault their wearability: "Comfort levels are up there with the best and the Sonys deliver just the right amount of clamping force, so they feel secure without threatening to crush our ears," reads our Sony XM5 review.

The Sonys do, however, look and feel almost cheap compared with the AirPods Max, which boast pristinely machined, single-piece anodised aluminium ear cups connected by a stainless-steel headband. Between the cups and your head are memory foam cushions that easily surround even the largest ears, creating a seal that our expert reviewers described as "both gentle and surprisingly effective at physically blocking out sound" in our AirPods Max review.

Apple's extroverted styling may not be to everyone’s tastes, but hand someone a pair of AirPods Max and they will have no trouble believing that they cost a fair more than the Sony XM5.

Apple's use of premium materials means that the AirPods Max are significantly heavier than many wireless headphones at 385g; they weigh 135g more than the Sonys. That said, such is the effectiveness of the weight-distributing design that they don’t feel heavy on the head.

The Sonys are controlled using touch gestures on the surface of the right ear cup. You can tap and swipe to play/pause, adjust the volume and skip to the next track. It all works a treat – no concerns for us here.

Apple, on the other hand, has resisted the urge to integrate touch controls into the design of the AirPods Max. Instead, it uses physical controls: a button for switching between noise-cancelling modes and a volume dial inspired by the digital crown of the Apple Watch. The latter is an elegant solution, although it is a little too easy to knock when adjusting the headphones.

If style is important to you, you'll be pleased to hear that the AirPods Max come in a range of colours. The originals are available in five colours – Space Grey, Silver, Pink, Green, and Sky Blue – while the newly updated pair can be purchased in your choice of Midnight (black), Starlight (beige), Blue, Orange and Purple. Sony XM5 buyers are limited to just two rather sober finishes (black and silver).

The only design area where the Sonys pip the AirPods is with the supplied case. The WH-1000XM5 come with a decent, practical carrying case while the AirPods Max have a daft 'slip' case that barely covers the headphones.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Max**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: battery life

• The Sonys are competitive; the AirPods lag behind

The Sony XM5 manage an impressive 30 hours of use with noise-cancelling enabled. Switch noise-cancelling off, and you should be able to squeeze 40 hours out of them. Those fairly generous are increasingly common figures in the wireless headphones market (even at the more budget end), albeit not class-leading; the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, for example, offer 60 hours with ANC on.

For the AirPods Max, Apple stipulates a run time of 20 hours with both noise-cancelling and spatial audio (Apple's immersive audio processing technology; more on that later) enabled. As headphone manufacturers have pushed ahead with battery life, that figure has felt pretty scanty for a couple of years now, and sadly the newly updated AirPods Max do not improve that aspect of the design.

Stepping out in a hurry? The Sonys will get you out the door quickest, too. They provide three hours of playback from a three-minute charge, while the Apples offer 1.5 hours from a five-minute charge.

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: features

• AirPods Max boast fantastic spatial audio
• AirPods Max are Apple device-centric; Sonys are more device agnostic
• Sonys support higher-quality Bluetooth transmission
• Sonys can be listened to wired without battery life; AirPods cannot

Both pairs have sophisticated processors that drive an impressive set of features. 

The WH-1000XM5 boast Sony's DSEE Extreme processing engine, which does a fabulous job of upscaling compressed music tracks to near hi-res quality. Not to be outdone, the AirPods Max boast an Apple H1 chip in each earcup, enabling them to make 200 adjustments per second to optimise noise-cancelling effectiveness.

One of the AirPods Max's USPs is their support for spatial audio, which provides a virtual surround sound experience from 5.1, 7.1 and even Dolby Atmos video content, and with music via Apple Music. The effect is truly stunning, particularly for movies, but you'll need an iPhone or iPad to experience it through the Max.

The WH-1000XM5 support the more fledgling Sony 360 Reality Audio immersive (music-only) format, but the effect isn't quite as compelling. More useful is their Adaptive Sound Control technology, which automatically switches noise-cancelling listening modes depending on your location (more on that in the noise cancellation section below), and their Speak-to-Chat feature, which allows you to talk to someone while the headphones are still on your head.

The Sonys also support LDAC Bluetooth for high-quality wireless transmission with a compatible (LDAC-supporting) Android device. The AirPods Max only support AAC transmission, which is a lower-quality Bluetooth codec. Neither pair, however, supports the popular, high-quality aptX codecs.

The Sony XM5 also have Bluetooth Multipoint so they can be paired with two devices simultaneously – ideal if you want to connect a laptop for playing music and a phone for taking calls. The AirPods Max don't support Bluetooth Multipoint, although they can switch between multiple Apple devices.

Lastly, the Sonys charge via USB-C and can be used as wired headphones when they are out of battery. The original AirPods Max use the Lightning connector, but the 2024 version uses USB-C. Unlike the Sonys, they require power even for wired listening (and don't come with an audio cable).

**Winner: draw**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: noise-cancelling

• A close call; both ANC performances are excellent
• Both offer Transparency modes
• Sony can cleverly tailor ANC levels to your environment

Both pairs offer active noise cancellation that is up there with the very best on offer, even if the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones just have the edge.

Ultimately, the Sony WH-1000XM5 seem to be marginally better at blocking constant, consistent noise (engine sounds, for example). That said, the AirPods Max let very little through and are actually a touch better when it comes to combating loud conversations. So in terms of everyday effectiveness, it is a pretty close call between the two performances.

Both pairs pleasingly offer the increasingly common Transparency mode, too, which actively processes external noise and pumps it into your ears if you want to, say, hear a train announcement without having to remove the headphones.

There is one key difference to note, however. As mentioned in the features section of this article, the Sony XM5 boast an AI-powered feature called Adaptive Sound Control which allows the headphones to learn your behaviour and recognise your frequently visited locations. It uses this data to automatically tailor noise-cancelling levels to your current surroundings. For example, the XM5 will crank up the sound-blocking effect when you step into your local railway station, and then dial it back down again when you're cruising along on a relatively quiet train. It's a seriously smart feature, and well worth having. 

**Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: sound quality

Those are the features dealt with, and now we get to the most pertinent question of all: what are these headphones like to listen to? Very good, as you would expect from flagship pairs from two marquee brands.

In terms of acoustic engineering, the Sonys sport all-new 30mm carbon fibre drivers that have been specially made to be lightweight and yet extremely rigid, whereas the Apples have 40mm drivers that are said to maintain total harmonic distortion of "less than one per cent across the entire audible range".

The Sony XM5 excel sonically at their price point, delivering an effortlessly musical sound. The XM4 were our favourite-sounding headphones at this level, but the XM5 deliver even greater clarity and a more open presentation. "It’s actually quite a jump," said our testing experts. 

Bass notes are rendered with newfound precision, too, and the level of detail these cans dig up is astonishing. Dynamic shifts are conveyed with aplomb, while their sense of timing is exemplary. You won't find a more compelling performance from wireless over-ear headphones at their price.

But stretch to the AirPods Max's more premium asking price, and you will be rewarded with superior sound quality. "There’s a degree of clarity and energy that even the Sonys can’t match, and they sound more engaging and authentic," our reviews team noted. Lighter on their feet and even more precise and exciting, they feel like a significant step up in terms of sonic sophistication. Movie performance is excellent too, particularly when it comes to spatial audio virtual surround sound. The whole presentation is very open, spacious and convincing.

Ultimately, we believe the AirPods Max justify their premium over the Sonys in terms of sound quality, even if in our minds the Sonys are the better value pair, all things considered.

That said, those who want (and can afford) the very best wireless headphone sound quality available should note that there are now pairs that perform even better than the AirPods Max, such as the higher-priced Mark Levinson No.5909, Focal Bathys, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and T+A Solitaire T.

**Winner: Apple AirPods Max**

Sony XM5 vs AirPods Max: which should you choose?

Apple's AirPods Max look and sound spectacular and provide a truly stunning spatial audio experience when paired with iPhone and iPad devices. There's no denying that iOS users with deep pockets should strongly consider them – either at full price with the new USB-C socket and colourways or, fingers crossed, if the older Lightning model can be bought at a bargain.

However, when it comes to outright value – and, indeed, non-Apple users – Sony's WH-1000XM5 are our number one recommendation. Hence their current What Hi-Fi? Award and position at the top of our best noise-cancelling headphones buying guide.

They are priced more accessibly, boast some fantastically advanced features such as the ability to upscale audio and optimise noise-cancelling according to your location, all while delivering a wonderfully engaging and detailed sound that is sure to impress most people. They also offer a longer battery life, support a higher-quality Bluetooth codec, and work well with both iOS and Android devices. 

MORE:

Apple AirPods Max vs AirPods Max 2024: what are the minor differences?

Apple AirPods Max tips: how to pair, reset, charge and more

See our Sony WH-1000XM5 tips, tricks and FAQ answers

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Apple AirPods Max: which wireless headphones are better?

B&W Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5: which ANC headphones are for you?

Yesterday we revealed that Netflix Basic with Ads – the streaming giant's cheapest subscription tier –  doesn't work on all devices. Today, it has emerged that Basic with Ads is missing some major titles.

There's no official list yet, but in the US, Arrested Development, Peaky Blinders, New Girl, House of Cards, The Last Kingdom, Good Girls, Friday Night Lights and Queen of the South are just some of the titles that display a padlock icon (via Variety). 

It's the same story when it comes to movies. A string of blockbusters are currently 'locked' to US-based subscribers. These include Bond titles Skyfall, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, as well as  the likes of 28 Days, Rambo, The Imitation Game, The Hateful Eight, Blue Jasmine, A Monster Calls, Steve Jobs and Vice.

Netflix has previously warned that 5-10% of its catalogue would be unavailable to Basic with Ads users: "[A] limited number of movies and TV shows won’t be available due to licensing restrictions, and we’re going to be working on reducing that over time," Netflix chief operating officer Greg Peters told reporters last month.

Netflix launched its new subscription subsidised tier in the UK, US, Australia and select areas of Asia and Europe at the start of November. The plan provides access to 720p streaming with roughly five minutes of advertising per hour for £4.99 / $6.99 / AU$6.99. 

It sounds like a nice price, especially when you consider what Basic with Ads does offer (The Crown, Breaking Bad, Stranger Things, etc). Then again, the tier has its limitations too.

For example, Basic with Ads will not work on Apple TV or older Chromecast devices apart from the latest Chromecast with Google TV streaming dongles. Netflix has also dropped support for the PlayStation 3, Netflix Windows app and any smartphones and tablets running an OS older than iOS 15 or Android 7.

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