Three New Sony Walkman Models Certified

According to new certifications, it looks like Sony is planning on releasing not one, not two, but three new Walkmans in the near future.

The information is from new IECEE certifications. All 3 devices are described as Digital Media Players, which was the same description in the A300 and ZX700 Walkmans certifications. Here are the new 3 model codes and their certifications from IECEE.

• YY1303B
• YY1304B
• YY1305B

We already know YY1303B is the upcoming Sony NW-ZX900, so we are left with 2 unknown models. Some publications have stated we could be looking at a new A-Series, but I do not believe so. Using past models as a guide, the lineup would consist of the following models:

• NW-ZX900
• NW-WM1AM3
• NW-WM1ZM3

With YY1303B already identified, perhaps NW-WM1ZM3 would be YY1304B, and NW-WM1ZM3 would be YY1305B. Why no A-Series? Simple, in all past Walkman lineup releases, the A-Series; model code came before the ZX-Series, see the Walkman model code list here. Sony likes to stick to patterns, so this is why I do not believe will see a new A-Series, as the code YY1302B is already used for the NW-ZX700. The argument could be made that either YY1304B or YY1305B could be a new NW-A500, but with current market conditions and component costs, a new A500 would be economically unfeasible for Sony. I could be wrong, but my gut feeling is that the A-Series will be discontinued.

There is one more unknown device I wrote about earlier, YY1306B, described as an “USB Audio Box”. I suspect this mystery device could be the DMP-Z1 mark 2, but the previous DMP-Z1 was never described as an USB Audio Box, previous described as a Digital Media Player on IECEE, and “Specific low-power wireless device (wireless device for wireless data communication system)” on the Korean certification. This could be something completely else and not even a Walkman. Make sure to check out the YY1306B post for the latest update.

Sony YY1306B – New Walkman or USB DAC?

Potential Announcement?

When could we see these new models announced? Difficult to predict, but we can use past model IECEE certifications dates as a guide.

• NW-A300 – mid October 2022
• NW-Zx700 – mid October 2022
• NW-WM1Z/A M2 – late October 2021

The A and Z were announced in January 2023, with the WM1M2 models in February 2022, so around  3-4 months from IECEE to announcement. This would suggest possible announcement date from January to February 2027. I am uncertain how reliable IECEE certifications are for dating product announcements, so this early 2027 date could be wrong. While the NW-ZX900 (YY1303B) is on Sony’s servers, YY1304B and YY1305B are not. But it might still be early and they may pop up shortly.

Increased Price

With the AI boom, the prices for many components like memory and CPUs have increase significantly. When the new Walkman models go on sale, expect a price increases across the board to reflect the reality. The new ZX900 could easily be priced around 1000 Euros, with the remaining two models, if they end up as the mark 3 WM1-Series, also demanding steep price tags.

High Gain Output?

When the new A and ZX models were announced, it was discovered that both models in certain regions (EU, US, Canada, Singapore) lacked the high gain output option. Whether we can expect something similar on the new models, I do not know, but I would not be surprised if we did. This would mean users would again need to import their devices from regions where high gain output is available. Having to import from outside their country, may discourage some users from buying any new models once announced.

Now we wait for further certifications, which will help narrow down potential announcement windows and specifications. If anyone has any details they would like to share, please contact me.

Update 5 – October 12

Scratch that October 5th update, as the remaining two other Walkman models were certified in Malaysia. So it looks like Malaysia should get all three once the new Walkmans are announced.

Update 4 – October 5

We have a new certification for YY1303B from Malaysia. Rather interesting that in all previous certifications, all three models were certified together, but not in Malaysia. For comparison, YY1301B1 (NW-A300) and YY1302b2 (NW-ZX700) where certified on the same day, and were announced at the same time. So either Yy1303B will be released first before YY1304B/YY1305B, or Malaysia will only get YY1303B.

I would have to look back through other certifications to compare cert dates, but by this time for the A300 and ZX700, we had the FCC filing, but nothing so far for the new models. Hopefully soon.

Update 3 – September 29

New certifications from UAE have appeared for all three models. When comparing the relative technical standards between the 3 models, there are not differences, but when compared the new Walkmans and the older models, YY1301 and YY1302, there are some differences. Based off the standards, we are looking at Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support, along with NFC.

It is obvious that the Walkmans will have Wi-Fi support, but unknown whether they will feature Wi-Fi 6. All 3 possible SoC candidates do have support for Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, so it would make sense for there to be support. While EN 300 330-2 points to their being NFC support, it is unknown if it will be offered on the new models. The previous A and ZX models lacked NFC support.

Update 2 – September 23

All three Walkman models have been certified in China.

Update 1 – September 18

A rather significant update. the new 3 Walkman models have appeared on two different certification sites, first in Mexico, and the second IMDA from Singapore.

The Mexican certification describes the devices as “Audio Player and Portable Video”, with the IMDA certification describing the devices as “Digital Media Player (with WLAN & BT).

This is good news, as such mid September certifications could hint at a possible early 2027 announcement for the new Walkmans. I have a feeling we will see an FCC filing soon, assuming the new models will be released in the US as well. Start saving up.