The latest Android 16 operating system is already available on Google Pixel devices, with several major Android smartphone brands progressing toward stable rollouts. However, Sony has remained quiet about its Android 16 update plans, with no official announcements or beta releases thus far. Despite the silence, Sony is expected to be working on bringing Android 16 to its Xperia devices, albeit potentially on a slower timeline than other manufacturers.
Which Sony Xperia Phones Will Get Android 16?
Sony has not published an official list of eligible Xperia devices for the Android 16 upgrade. However, based on the company’s current update policy and recent device release patterns, only three Xperia phones are expected to receive the Android 16 update:
- Xperia 1 VII (released May 2025) – last update was Android 19, promising up to four major Android upgrades
- Xperia 1 VI (released 2024) – last update was Android 17, promising three major updates
- Xperia 10 VI (released 2024) – last update was Android 17, also promising three major updates
The list is relatively short, highlighting Sony’s focus on its latest premium models rather than a wide range of devices. The rollout of Android 16 will likely begin with the Xperia 1 VII, followed by the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI.
Sony’s Software Update Strategy
Sony, while no longer a smartphone market leader, continues to focus on premium smartphones mainly for photography enthusiasts. The company has scaled down the number of phone releases yearly but maintained robust software update commitments.
For models launched in 2024 and later, Sony has increased its OS update promise. Earlier, devices were typically limited to two major Android OS updates, but now newer models promise three to four major updates, which is a welcome upgrade for users looking for longer-term software support.
When to Expect the Android 16 Update?
No official timeline has been announced by Sony for the Android 16 rollout. Given the small number of eligible devices, the update process should be relatively swift once Sony begins releasing the update. Users owning these Xperia models can expect to receive Android 16 in the near future, improving their phones with the latest features and security updates.
Sony’s cautious but solid approach to software updates ensures its premium Xperia smartphones remain competitive, especially for users valuing extended OS support. While the Android 16 update rollout has yet to officially begin, Xperia 1 VII, Xperia 1 VI, and Xperia 10 VI owners can look forward to receiving it, reinforcing Sony’s ongoing commitment to its smartphone users despite its shifting market position.