[Update: June 21] Sony Android 11 update tracker: List of eligible devices & release date

This story is being continuously updated…. New updates are being added at the bottom…..

NOTICE: We’ve compiled a comprehensive Android 11 update tracker for all the major OEMs and carriers, and will be updating it continuously.

Original story (published on April 23, 2020) follows:

Owing to its small smartphone repository, Japan’s Sony Mobile is usually among the first to get going with major Android OS updates. The company’s contributions to Google’s AOSP (more on this later) also play a huge part in the timely release of OS updates.

The stable Android 10, for instance, arrived in early December 2019, about three months after Google’s release. The company is pretty much done with updating its devices to the new OS (Xperia 10 and 10 Plus still wait) and now attention is set to turn to the Sony Android 11 update.

Google should bring out the public beta version in May, as usual. Since Sony was well represented in last year’s Android Q beta testing program, there is no doubt that one or two Xperia handsets will enter this year’s Android R beta program as well.

As noted, Sony doesn’t have a huge number of phones out there. This leaves only a handful of devices eligible for the big Sony Android 11 update.

Since the company’s software update policy is to provide at least two major OS updates, below are the devices we think Sony will upgrade to Android 11 OS:

– Sony Xperia 1 II
– Sony Xperia 10 II
– Sony Xperia 1
– Sony Xperia 5
– Sony Xperia 5 II

If you own any of the above Xperia handsets, rest assured that an update to Android 11 will be made available officially. As for those donning the likes of Xperia 10 and its Plus counterpart as well as Xperia L4, all of which have Pie preinstalled, don’t get your hopes too high.

Of course, Sony is likely to release a couple or so more phones before the end of the year and since they’ll possibly come running Android 10 out of the box, they should easily fit the bill for the official Sony Android 11 update.

NOTICE: We’ve compiled a comprehensive Android 11 update tracker for all the major OEMs and carriers, and will be updating it continuously.

In 2012, then Technical Lead of Android Open Source Project at Google, Jean-Baptiste Queru, named Sony Mobile as one of the leading contributors to AOSP. At the time, he said the following about Sony:

Since Sony has been contributing a lot to the Android Open Source Project, they have fewer changes that they need to maintain on their own: those changes of theirs are already there when the source code is first released.
Source

It didn’t end there. In 2017, Google named Sony as the standout AOSP partner. Google said Sony contributed more than 30 feature enhancements and 250 bug fixes to Android Oreo. There is no reason to believe Sony is no longer a lead contributor to the upcoming Android 11 update.

That said, Jean-Baptiste Queru’s words come into play. That since Sony has early access to AOSP than most vendors, the company’s Android OS stable updates can be expected not long after Google makes the stable version available.

But when will Google release the stable Android 11 update? Probably in mid or late Q3 2020 (August or September), just like Android Pie and Android 10 more recently. Granted, the stable Sony Android 11 update may arrive in Q4 2020, you know, just like what happened with Android 10.

It’s worth noting that the information contained in this article isn’t official. Sony hasn’t revealed its Android 11 update plans, but when it does, we will update our story with the official details.

IST: 05:08 pm: In a recent development, we have learned that Sony might be in the race to provide 3 Android OS updates for the Sony Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II. It means that both devices will be also be receiving Android OS 13.

IST: 12:54 pm: A recent leak suggests more Xperia devices that are eligible for teh Android 11 update. The list includes Xperia 5 II, Xperia Pro 5G, Xperia 1 II, Xperia 1 (including PE), Xperia 5, Xperia 10 II, Xperia 10 Plus, Xperia 10. It’s also coming to light that Sony has started testing Android 11. More details here.

IST: 01:31 pm: According to a new report, Sony has released the Android 11 compatible binaries and a step-by-step guide to build AOSP 11.0 for several Xperia models.

Download AOSP 11.0 Software Binaries

• Sony Xperia 10 II: Download Link
• Sony Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZ1, Xperia XZ1 Compact: Download Link
• Sony Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra: Download Link
• Sony Xperia XZ2, Xperia XZ2 Compact, Xperia XZ3: Download Link
• Sony Xperia 10, Xperia 10 Plus: Download Link
• Sony Xperia 1, Xperia 5: Download Link

IST: 01:45 pm: It seems that the final build fingerprint of Android 11 for the Sony Xperia 1 II has surfaced suggesting that Sony may release the Android 11 update for the device within the new few months.

Sony/XQ-AT51_EEA/XQ-AT51:11/58.1.A.0.737/058001A000073702046423728:user/release-keys

IST: 12:18 pm: Sony has been tight-lipped regarding the Android 11 rollout for its devices. However, an alledged screenshot of Sony’s Android 11 roadmap has surfaced. Check out all the details here.

IST: 05:51 pm: It seems that Sony joined the 3 Android OS updates club since the company will be providing 3 OS updates for its current flagships — the Xperia 1 II and Xperia 5 II. Both devices will get Android 11, Android 12, and Android 13 according to a report (in Chinese).

IST: 11:00 am: Sony has finally confirmed it’s Android 11 rollout plans. The Xperia 1 II will be the first to bag the latest Android 11 version which is expected to begin rolling out this month itself (December), according to a report.

We’ve shared the rollout timeline below:

Xperia 1 II: from December 2020
Xperia 5 II: from the end of January 2021
Xperia 10 II: from the end of January 2021
Xperia 1: from February 2021
Xperia 5: from February 2021

NOTICE: We’ve compiled a comprehensive Android 11 update tracker for all the major OEMs and carriers, and will be updating it continuously.

IST: 10:45 am: A device with the model number of Sony SO-52A has been spotted on Geekbench running Android 11. Apparently, this model number resembles that of the DoCoMo variant of the Xperia 5 II in Japan.

However, there are a few discrepancies in the System Information section of the Geekbench results that hint towards it being another device altogether as per a report (in Japanese).

IST: 10:25 am: New developments suggest that the Android 11 update is live for the Sony Xperia 1 II model that’s sold in Taiwan as version 58.1.A.0.921. More details here.

IST: 03:40 pm: After the Taiwanese Xperia 1 II variant, Sony is rolling out the Android 11 stable update to the Vodafone Xperia 1 II units in the UK. Full coverage here.

IST: 05:40 pm: It appears that Sony Xperia 5 II users may have to wait until the end of January to get their hands on Android 11 even though Sony had shared a new timeline indicating that the device may get the update this month itself.

This is because the OEM has rolled out the December update for the device, however, it’s based on Android 10 instead of Android 11 as per a fresh report.

The company has also shared details on some of the new features that users will be able to use after installing Android 11 on their Sony devices such as the new Game enhancer app, dark mode scheduling, native screen recording, and more.

IST: 09:56 am: After Taiwan, Sony Xperia 1 II is reportedly getting the Android 11 update in Sweden and Netherlands. However, the OEM has not made any official announcements on the matter so far.

IST: 03:00 pm: It appears that Sony may have delayed the rollout of Android 11 for the Xperia 5 II due to bugs and issues that were found on the Xperia 1 II after users installed Android 11. Head here for the full story.

IST: 12:13 pm: Sony has started seeding the Android 11 update to the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 ahead of its own schedule. The update is live in a few regions and is expected to roll out elsewhere soon. Head here for more details.

IST: 06:01 pm: According to information shared on Sony’s official site, the company will fix the apps not closing issue that popped on Xperia phones after users installed Android 10 with the update to Android 11. Head here for the full story.

IST: 07:04 pm: According to a recent report, The AU variant of Sony Xperia 1 II is now getting the update to Android 11. The latest OS update brings along support for 4K HDR 120fps video recording and much more.

IST: 05:41 pm: Sony has started rolling out the Android 11 update for the Sony Xperia 5 II in Europe and Asia. Head here to read our full coverage.

IST: 11:20 am: Sony has started seeding the Android 11 update for the Sony Xperia 10 II in South East Asia. Check out all the details here.

IST: 06:42 pm: Android 11 has now been released for the Xperia 1 in the UK. A user has taken to Reddit to confirm receiving the update as version 55.2.A.0.630.

IST: 11:57 am: Sony has released the Andorid 11 update for the Sony Xperia 5 II, Xperia 1, and Xperia 5 in the UK as per details on the XperiCheck database. An Xperia 5 II user has also confirmed receiving the update via a post on Reddit.

IST: 07:30 pm: New developments indicate that Sony has released the Android 11 update for the Xperia 1 in Sweden as well. A user has confirmed receiving the update via a post on Twitter.

IST: 02:43 pm: If you own any of the Xperia 5 II or Xperia 1 II on Docomo, the stable update to Android 11 is now live. Details here and here.

IST: 12:18 pm: With the update to Android 11, Sony has brought the External monitor app to the Sony Xperia 1 II. This allows users to use their Xperia 1 II as an external monitor for digital cameras. More on this here.

IST: 06:10 pm: Sony has released the Android 11 update for the Xperia 10 II to users in Germany. Head here for more details on the update.

IST: 10:04 am: The update to Android 11 is now rolling out to users Sony Xperia 5 users in Portugal. More on that here.

IST: 05:58 pm: Sony has confirmed that users may face an issue while capturing images or video after updating to Android 11. According to the company, you may not be able to save photos or videos after taking more than 10,000 images or clips.

Here’s the detailed explanation and the official solution from Sony:

You may be facing a issue that you cannot save the photo and video files taken by the “Camera” app after the Android 11 upgrade. If you have taken more than 10 000 photos and movie clips on your Xperia phone. It might be occurred due to the conflict of the folder name of the image storage. Please change the name of the current Image saving folder as following steps.

1. At first, clear the “Camera” app from the Recent Apps.
2. Launch the “Files” app, and tap (≡) menu on the upper left screen.
3. Then select the internal storage or disk (SD memory card) in which the “Camera” app saves the image files. Then tap the “DCIM” folder.
4. And tap and hold the folder named “100ANDRO” until a checkmark appears.
5. Tap the “Rename” item from the upper right menu ( ). Rename to the name NOT like “aaaANDRO”. For example, rename “100ANDRO” to “OLD_100ANDRO”.
6. Repeat steps 4-6 until all “aaaANDRO” folders are renamed.
6. Start camera to confirm that you can take photos and save them normally.

IST: 05:35 pm: Sony has started seeding the Android 11 update for the Xperia 5 II in the Netherlands. More details here.

IST: 10:01 am: Sony Xperia 1 users in the U.S. have started receiving the much-awaited Android 11 update on their devices. Check out more details here.

IST: 09:49 am: Sony Xperia 10 II users in Japan with units from Y! Mobile have begun receiving the Android 11 update. The new Android version is also rolling out to Xperia 1 users in Hungary as per reports from users.

IST: 02:08 pm: It seems that some Sony smartphone users who installed the Android 11 update are not able to use the fingerprint scanner. Check out all the details on the issue here.

IST: 02:35 pm: After a long wait, Sony has released Android 11 for the Sony Xperia 1 II in the U.S. The update bears the software version 58.1.A.3.87 and weighs 1.1 GB. More details here.

IST: 12:22 pm: Sony has released the Android 11 update for the Xperia 1 II in Peru as well. The update should be available in other regions soon. Check out more details here.

IST: 12:01 pm: Android 11 is now available for the Sony Xperia 5 II in the U.S. with the February security patch in tow. Head here for all the details.

IST: 03:28 pm: Sony has apparently suspended the Android 11 update for the Xperia 10 II in Japan. Check out the full story here.

IST: 12:40 pm: Sony has confirmed that it’s working to fix the bug that prevents users from hearing the other party’s voice when connected via Bluetooth to a vehicle’s stereo system or headphones after installing Android 11. More details here.

IST: 04:26 pm: The Japanese carrier — au — has finally re-released Android 11 for the Sony Xperia 10 II. It halted the rollout in March citing a bug that prevented the device from powering on after installing Android 11. Check out the full story here.

IST: 05:52 pm: Sony has started rolling out Android 11 for the Xperia 1 in Japan. Check out more details here.

IST: 06:22 pm: The update is also making its way over to the Sony Xperia 5 in Japan. More details here.

IST: 06:27 pm: au — a Japanese carrier — has confirmed that it has started rolling out the update to Android 11 for the Xperia 1 in the country. More details here.

IST: 07:48 pm: A recent user report from Twitter indicates that the Japanese carrier, au, has finally started rolling the Android 11 update to the carrier-locked Xperia 5 units.

IST: 06:30 pm: Sony has released the Android 11 update for the Xperia 1 Dual and 5 Dual in Hong Kong. Check out more details here.

IST: 05:13 pm: Sony has acknowledged a bunch of bugs and issues with the Game Enhancer application after the Android 11 update. Head here for all the details.

IST: 02:00 pm: The Android 11 update is not hitting Sony Xperia 10 II models sold in Japan by Docomo. Head here for more details.

IST: 12:33 pm: Sony is rolling out Android 11 update for the newly launched Sony Xperia Pro in the U.S. Find more details here.

IST: 13:33 pm: New reports now indicate that Sony is pushing out stable Android 11 to users of the Xperia 5 (J9260) in its home market of Japan. The update bears software version number 55.2.A.4.119.

More on that here.

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