Sony seems to be getting a head start on its next Xperia flagship, and some early database listings are giving us the first solid hints that a successor is already in the works.

Japanese site S-Max has spotted three new model numbers in the GSMA’s IMEI database that follow the usual pattern for the Xperia 1 series. These entries, registered around early August, point to the Xperia 1 IX as a 2027 phone.

The codes are XQ-HH44 (Japan-focused and eSIM-only), XQ-HH54 (Europe), and XQ-HH74 (other markets, including Greater China). In Sony’s system, the leading “H” means 2027 model year, and the “4” at the end confirms eSIM support. The internal names listed with them are PM-1545-BV, PM-1540-BV, and PM-1541-BV. Some reports also mention that the Japanese version is marked as compatible with 3GPP satellite communication standards.

The Walkman Blog pointed out that the Xperia 1 VIII showed up in the same database in November 2025 and the 1 VII in October 2024. Seeing the IX listed this early doesn’t automatically mean it’ll launch sooner, as registration timing can vary for regulatory or production reasons. Still, the fact that these numbers appeared so soon after the VIII’s release shows Sony is already working on the next generation instead of scaling back its smartphone efforts.

Sony has stuck to a pretty consistent yearly rhythm for its premium Xperia 1 line even though the volumes are smaller than the big mass-market players. So the next model is expected to keep the series’ usual focus on strong display quality, imaging, and audio features.

One practical note: pricing. The ongoing DRAM shortage is widely expected to drive component costs higher, which could mean a price bump when the Xperia 1 IX shows up next year. No other specs, including the chipset, cameras, or battery, have leaked yet, but the model numbers alone confirm that planning and early regulatory work are already underway. More details should start surfacing closer to the usual 2027 announcement window.

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