Sony’s WH-1000XM6 and WF-1000XM5 get audio sharing in new update
You can now share your music directly from Sony’s top headphones. Here’s how the new feature works.
Sony has rolled out a major firmware update for its flagship noise-canceling lineup, the WH-1000XM6 headphones and WF-1000XM5 earbuds, adding long-awaited support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast audio sharing.
The this is the first time Sony’s premium headphones have supported the new Auracast standard, which allows listeners to share what they’re hearing in real time. Compatible Android devices can now broadcast an audio stream that others can join by scanning a QR code or tapping through Fast Pair, making it easy to share music, podcasts, or videos with friends without handing over a headphone jack. It’s a social twist for a product range traditionally designed for solo listening, and one that positions Sony among the first major brands to embrace LE Audio’s more efficient, flexible wireless architecture.
The firmware also introduces Gemini Live, Google’s conversational AI assistant. This feature enables smoother, more natural voice interactions for users who rely on hands-free control, from requesting playlists to managing connected devices. Meanwhile, Sony has improved overall Bluetooth stability, enhanced head-tracking performance, and expanded integration with Google’s Find My Device network, particularly useful for WF-1000XM5 users who can now locate individual earbuds even outside the charging case.
To access these new features, listeners need to install the latest update via the Sony Headphones Connect app and re-pair their devices afterward. While not all smartphones yet support Auracast, Sony’s move signals confidence in the standard’s growing adoption across Android ecosystems and future devices.
For travelers, commuters, and anyone who listens in company, audio sharing could be a game-changer. Whether it’s watching a film together on a flight or syncing up a playlist with friends, Sony’s latest update expands how personal listening can feel, blending social connection with the brand’s trademark sound quality.