Sony Xperia Z5: Android 6.0 Marshmallow update global rollout commences

Sony has finally begun its global rollout of Android 6.0 Marshmallow for firmware build 32.1.A.1.163, which is currently live across all variants of the Xperia Z5 including the Xperia Z5 Premium and Xperia Z5 Compact. A week before, the update was launched for the device to users in Japan and prior to that in Turkey.

The variants of the Xperia Z5 eligible for the update include the single SIM E6653, as well as the Dual-SIM varieties, with model numbers E6683 and E6633. The firmware is currently available only through the Sony PC Companion app and an over-the-air update (OTA) is expected shortly although some users claim to have received the new version automatically.

Other than the confirmed regions where the update had been declared earlier, the update has also been spotted in Thailand, Russia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, United States (carrier specific), India, and Malaysia. This means the rollout of the new version has commenced and will happen in batches continuing for the next few weeks and could stretch to even a month as has been seen with other device updates from the company.

Unfortunately, among the expected features for Z5, Sony has not included STAMINA mode within this update and is expected to instead bring it back in a later firmware version, possibly the Android 6.0.1 update. The company has also not included adoptable storage within the update, which means you cannot use a microSD memory card to expand the phone's internal storage.

The other highlighted features in the update are Doze mode, Now on Tap, app permissions and more, in sync with most Marshmallow updates for Android-based devices. In addition to that, Sony devices including the Xperia Z5 are receiving a new camera interface, Xperia Messaging with sticker support and Direct Share for relaying activities to friends. Google has also added the security patch for February with the update.