Sony Xperia smartphones are sticking to their current policy of providing two major OS updates and three security updates, despite the industry trend of offering at least 4 extensive support to the eligible devices. Although there were rumors before the release of Android 14 about the possibility of a third OS update, it’s been confirmed that at least the domestic carrier version of the Xperia III generation model won’t get the Android 14 update. That makes it almost clear about the major software updates policy by Sony Mobile.
In the meantime, with the release of the Android 15 developer preview version by Google, leaked information from a Reddit user regarding updates within Sony’s development team indicates that the Xperia 10 V in the Xperia IV generation won’t receive the Android 15 update.
The chances of the Xperia 1 V and Xperia 5 IV getting the Android 15 update are very slim, estimated at only a few percent. This suggests that Sony’s approach to OS update support will likely remain the same even with the next generation OS.
Furthermore, smartphones released after 2025 in Europe must receive either three OS updates or five years of security updates. It’s unclear how Sony will address these regulatory requirements.
Android 15 Roadmap
Google has kicked off Android 15 with the release of the first Developer Preview. If you’re a tech enthusiast with a Pixel 6, 7, 8, or Fold, you can now manually download and install it. The Pixel Tablet is also included in the update. Don’t worry if you don’t own a Pixel device; you can use the 64-bit system images with the Android emulator in Android Studio.
Here’s a summary of the Android 15 roadmap:
- February 16, 2024: The first Developer Preview (DP1) is now available.
- March 2024: The second Developer Preview (DP2) is expected.
- Spring 2024: The first Public Beta will be released, accessible to everyone.
- June-July 2024: Android 15 is nearing stability.
- October 2024: The Final Release is scheduled, possibly coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 9 series.
