Now that Google has had an official rollout of the latest version of their operating system with 6.0 (also known as Android M or Marshmallow), it is only a matter of time before it starts to rollout to other smart Android devices besides the ones in Google's own Nexus Series. When it comes to Android rollouts, the tradition is the newer Android devices get it first, and then the older ones, if at all. When it comes to Sony, they have been known to get their upgrades a little slower, and here is what we know about the Android M Version 6.0 Marshmallow Release Date for Sony Xperia Z5 series, Z4 Tablet, Z3 Series for Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
In case you are not aware, Sony has listed what phones will be receiving the upgrade to Android M, and it is quite numerous, according to Tech Radar.
It includes:
- Xperia Z5
- Xperia Z5 Compact
- Xperia Z5 Premium
- Xperia Z4 Tablet
- Xperia Z3
- Xperia Z3+
- Xperia Z3 Compact
- Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Xperia Z2
- Xperia Z2 Tablet
- Xperia M5
- Xperia C5 Ultra
- Xperia M4 Aqua
- Xperia C4
This means that anything below the Xperia Z1 series will not be receiving an update. Unfortunately, Sony has not given any date on when their devices will be receiving this upgrade, only that it will happen.
The VC Post states that a "leakster" known as Ricciolo1 tweeted that the Z5 models will be getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow around January 2016. That actually makes sense, as the Z5, the Z5 Compact, and the Z5 Premium are the most recent models, and the rule of Android rollout is that the newest models get the upgrade first.
The next on the list to receive the upgrade would be the Z4 tablet, followed by the Z3 series. Android Standard has reported that the Z3 series received its update to Android 5.0 (also known as Android L or Lollipop) only a few months ago and updated to Android 5.1.1 only a few weeks ago. Sadly, these updates came out later than the announced release dates, which might explain why Sony has been slow to give out any possibility of release dates for anything in their Xperia series.
The most optimistic view of the rollout is by the end of the year for any of the Xperia series, even the popular Z5 and Z3. It's more than likely going to be next year, and it could be a while until that. The release date will also be dependent on the carrier, like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile.