The Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI are finally getting their Android 16 update. The rollout began in late October 2025 across Europe and the UK. The Xperia 1 VI is receiving build 69.2.A.2.30, which also includes the October 2025 security patch. You can check manually via Settings → System → About Phone → Software Update.

Google’s Pixels got Android 16 in June, and Sony’s own Xperia 1 VII picked it up in mid-September — leaving the VI series behind on Android 15 since launch. Still, the update brings plenty of welcome tweaks.

Notable improvements and new features

Sony’s changelog highlights a few meaningful upgrades beyond Android 16’s general refinements. The Settings menu has been reorganized with renamed items and new sections, including a dedicated “Modes” feature. This lets users create profiles such as Do Not Disturb, Bedtime, and Driving — each capable of muting notifications or adjusting screen behavior to minimize distractions. There’s even an option to build custom modes for different routines.

Display customization also gets smarter. Under Image quality settings, users can now pick a new “Recommended” mode that automatically optimizes visuals for content and usage. White balance controls have been simplified too.

Meanwhile, Side sense — Sony’s gesture shortcut feature — has moved to a new location under Settings → System → Gestures, and now includes helpful multitasking guides for split-screen and pop-up window use. The lock screen menu has also been refreshed with easier access from the Home screen and a renamed “Double-tap to check phone” option.

Lastly, Screen mirroring has been integrated into the Cast function in Quick Settings, making it simpler to project your Xperia display to a compatible TV over Wi-Fi Direct.

This is the second and near-final major OS update for both devices, with only Android 17 left on the roadmap. While performance is smoother and the UI feels more modern, Sony’s three-year update window lags behind competitors offering up to seven years.

Still, for Xperia 1 VI and 10 VI owners, Android 16 delivers useful refinements, stronger stability, and a touch of modern polish — even if it took its time getting here.

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The post Android 16 rolls out for Sony Xperia 1 VI and 10 VI — here’s what’s new appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new Sony Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI leak suggests that the two smartphones will come with larger camera modules. The Xperia 1 VI and 10 VI are scheduled to be launched during the Xperia Launch Event on May 17. Tempered glass lens protectors for the two models appeared on the Rakuten Market in Japan indicating the larger modules.

Both lens protectors for the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI are larger than those of their predecessors. The lens protectors also feature wider apertures that indicate the likelihood of having larger camera sensors. The Xperia 1 VI lens protector is 1.5 x 5.2cm in size while that of the Xperia 10 VI is 1.6 x 3.3cm. Both protectors are larger than that of their respective predecessors. It is noted, however, that it could be that these changes are just for aesthetics purposes and no change was made on the hardware.

The Sony Xperia 1 VI has been previously rumored to come with the same camera sensor as its predecessor, the Xperia V. It will feature a 24mm 48MP main camera, a 16mm 12MP ultrawide camera, and an 85-125mm 12MP telephoto lens. The new smartphone will also feature software improvements on its camera setup. Leaked renders of the Xperia 1 VI reflect an identical design to the Xperia 1 V. It has a 6.5-inch tall screen and a 21:9 aspect ratio. The smartphone will reportedly launch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with up to 16GB of RAM. As the May 17 launch date draws closer, more optics about the new Sony Xperia smartphones will emerge.

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