Sony is expanding Android 17 to five Xperia smartphones, extending its latest software platform from the current Xperia flagship to devices released two generations earlier. The Xperia 1 VIII rollout has already begun in Europe, while timing will vary by model and region.
A key addition for three Xperia 1 generations is Desktop Mode. When connected to a compatible external display, the phones can run multiple apps in an interface designed for larger screens. Adding a keyboard and mouse enables a more PC-like setup for email, document access and basic multitasking.
- Xperia 1 VIII
- Xperia 1 VII
- Xperia 1 VI
Android 17 also refreshes several core interface tools across the update. Quick Settings gains resizable, rearrangeable tiles, while lock screen and home screen customization expands with options to change icon shapes and styles.
- Resizable and rearrangeable Quick Settings tiles
- Additional lock screen and home screen customization options
- Adjustable icon shapes and styles
- Screen recording for either the full display or a single app
- Simultaneous recording of device audio and microphone audio
Sony is reserving one camera-focused feature for the Xperia 1 VIII. AI Camera Assistant can save and name up to three custom profiles, each with its own color-tone and image-processing settings.
For the Xperia 1 VI, Android 17 marks the final major Android update Sony initially promised. The handset launched with Android 14 and has since received Android 15 and Android 16. Sony has not detailed rollout dates for every remaining Xperia model in the five-device expansion.
