Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds just got the free update we’ve been waiting for
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It’s been a long time coming, but one of the most requested missing features has finally been made available for the Sony WF-1000XM4, with a new firmware update that finally brings multipoint connectivity support to the premium in-ear headphones.
Multipoint allows you to connect to two Bluetooth audio sources at the same time, meaning you can listen to music on your laptop and if a call comes in on your phone, you can seamlessly switch to answer it.
It’s a feature now regularly found in mid-range and even some entry-level wireless earbuds, with rival in-ears like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and AirPods Pro 2 both boasting the functionality, as well as cheaper ones like the EarFun Air Pro 3 The feature, however, was notable for its absence from the spec sheets of Sony’s flagship true wireless earphones when they were released in June 2021.
It was promised that Multipoint would be added to the WF-1000XM4 in October last year, but after a long delay the wait is finally over for the handy feature thanks to a new version 2.0.0 software update that landed yesterday.
According to Sony’s support page, it takes about 35 minutes to install the update on the WF-1000XM4s in combination with an Android smartphone.
It’s a slightly longer setup for iPhone users, with the process taking more than an hour depending on your Apple handset model. The good news is that you can still listen to music to pass the time when you go through the update process.
For full details on the firmware update and installation instructions, visit the Sony support page (opens in new tab).
Analysis: A long overdue, but welcome update
Make no mistake, today is a great day for WF-1000XM4 owners, who now no longer have the annoying hassle of unplugging their earbuds from one device before they can use another.
The big question is why has there been such a long wait for what has become a standard feature for headphones at this price point?
The super-affordable Sony WH-CH520 cans had the feature at launch, while the wait for multipoint has been so long that we’re now almost at the stage of the WF-1000XM4’s successors being released – you can read more about what we expect from the Sony WF-1000XM5.
As frustrating as the delay is, the update undoubtedly makes an already great pair of headphones even better – after all, they’ve still managed to stay at the top of our list of the best true wireless earbuds.