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Sony has provided some dates for when users can expect to get Android Pie on their Xperia devices. As is always the case with smartphone updates, these are pretty vague, but they still give you an idea of when to expect the update. However, it’s important to remember that these can be delayed due to the many moving parts that are included in an Android software update. So if Sony does miss the date it mentioned, don’t freak out too much.
According to Sony’s blog post, its premium smartphones are going to get the update beginning in November. That includes the Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Premium, XZ2 Compact, XZ1, XZ1 Compact and XZ Premium. The reason behind the premium lineup getting Android Pie first is because of Qualcomm. It releases its binaries and support for the next version of Android, starting with the Snapdragon 800-series of processors – which all of these are running on. Sony says that the Xperia XA2, XA2 Ultra and XA2 Plus will begin getting their updates in early 2019, though no specific month was given there.
Sony has also provided a handy infographic detailing the steps that each update must go through before it lands on your device. This is to help explain why these updates take so long to come to your device. Phase one consists of building the update, and making sure it works properly with the phone. Which it also needs help from its partners, like Qualcomm to make that happen. After the update is built and tested, it must then go for certification. Which includes heading to the WiFi Alliance, Bluetooth SIG and Google. Now since Sony doesn’t sell any smartphones on carriers these days, they don’t need carrier certification, which should cut down on the time it takes for these updates to roll out.
