Android 16: Sony details major OS updates for Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI

The Xperia 1 VII was one of the last flagships smartphones to receive Android 16. For context, Google delivered its version of Android 16 to its currently supported devices in June, including for the older Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (curr. $218 - refurbished on Amazon). In comparison, Sony left Xperia 1 VII owners on the hook until mid-September before issuing a comparable update for its latest flagship.

Meanwhile, Sony has left the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI running Android 15 in the intervening period. For some reason, the company has decided to wait until the end of October before issuing Android 16 to either device. By contrast, the Xperia 1 VI was one of the first smartphones to receive Android 15 last November.

Rolling across Europe and the UK, Android 16 should arrive as 69.2.A.2.30 for the Xperia 1 VI. Conversely, the Xperia 10 VI should now be receiving Android 16 via the build number 70.2.A.0.266. Please note that Sony refrains from including an extensive changelog even for major OS updates.

Instead, it has detailed what changes to expect when updating to Android 16 on dedicated Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI help guides. It is worth keeping in mind that Sony is only guaranteeing one more major OS update for both smartphones. In other words, software support for the Xperia 10 VI and Xperia 1 VI may run out this time next year, which is much sooner than competing smartphones from Apple, Google or Samsung, among others.