A long list supposedly showing all devices that are scheduled for the update to the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS from Google has surfaced online. It reveals a multitude of mobile phones from leading device makers including Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, Motorola, Asus, and Huawei.
The list was shared by trusted mobile tech site GSM Arena and, as mentioned, contains a handful of models from Sony, who has just launched its Xperia Z5 range last month. Sony's new Z5 line comprises of five models. Aside from the standard 5.2-inch Xperia Z5 smartphone, it also includes the Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia Z5 Compact, dual-SIM versions Z5 Premium Dual and Z5 Dual. All of them runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out of the box.
Google's latest Android OS version is already out, but it is only currently available via its recently launched co-branded handsets, the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei 6P. Once these handsets reach the market, a roll out to devices from other manufacturers is expected to follow, and the Japan-based device maker is one of the first to trickle new firmware down to its smartphones.
Previous reports already suggested that Sony has been preparing to send out Android 6.0. Its developers created a test image of the Android M Developer Preview and distributed it to various models in the Sony Xperia Z family in June.
Just last month, another list emerged, citing a source from China, which indicated that the Marshmallow upgrade will be distributed to handsets in two batches. Understandably, the first batch will cover the most recent high-end flagships from major manufacturers.
The recent list released by GSM Arena has not been backed by the search giant, but the tech site claims that the devices "have been confirmed to get the latest version of its mobile platform." Sony is represented by a total of 14 smartphone models ranging from 2013's Xperia Z Ultra GPE (Google Play Edition) to the newest Xperia Z5 Premium. It is worth mentioning that the Xperia Z1, which is also released in 2013, is left out.
Here are the Sony devices included in GSM Arena's Android 6.0 waiting list:
2015
- Sony Xperia Z5 Premium
- Sony Xperia Z5
- Sony Xperia Z5 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z3+ / Z4
- Sony Xperia C5 Ultra
- Sony Xperia C4
- Sony Xperia M5
- Sony Xperia M4 Aqua
2014
- Sony Xperia Z3 / Z3v
- Sony Xperia Z3 Compact
- Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
- Sony Xperia Z2
- Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet
2013
- Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPE
If the information provided by the list turns out to be correct, it means that two-year-old models will still be upgraded to the latest OS version. Although the data seems plausible, actual roll out dates are not given by the source. It is widely believed that the final public release for the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS will arrive in various smartphone and tablet models during the fourth quarter of this year.
