In October 2021, Sony and the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Meizu unveiled a strategic partnership. However, recent information from the reputable leaker @zackbuks indicates that the collaboration, which involves a Chinese variant of the Xperia smartphone, could potentially conclude in just over two years.
The leak suggests that the Flyme app, a localized version of Meizu’s Flyme OS, is likely to be removed from Xperia devices. In simpler terms, while the operating system will continue to be Android, the pre-installed apps will no longer be sourced from Meizu’s Flyme OS. This adjustment has purportedly been implemented in subsequent Xperia models, beginning with the 2024 Xperia, provisionally named Xperia 1 VI, and subsequent models.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the absence of the Flyme app on Xperia devices does not necessarily signal the termination of the partnership between Sony and Meizu. Nevertheless, the information implies that Sony’s endeavor to establish a presence in the software ecosystem through collaborations with local companies may not have achieved the anticipated success.
Flyme is a custom Android skin developed and provided by Meizu Technology, belonging to the same category as Xiaomi’s MIUI and OPPO’s ColorOS. The collaboration primarily affected the Chinese version of Xperia 1 III and later models, with users in other countries and regions remaining largely unaffected.
Sony had stated its intention to provide users with the flexibility to choose whether to pre-install or download specific apps offered by Flyme, all while maintaining the core Pure Android experience. This approach allowed users to personalize their Xperia devices based on their preferences, striking a balance between integrating Meizu’s apps and preserving the fundamental functionality of Android.
