Sony Xperia Z5 Series Starts Receiving Android 6.0 Marshmallow Update

Sony has finally started rolling out Android 6.0 Marshmallow update to its latest flagship smartphone - Xperia Z5 - and its variants. The update for now is reaching out to the smartphone's international variants. It is worth mentioning that Sony previously rolled out Android 6.0 Marshmallow for the Xperia Z5 in Japan only. Users should also note that Android 6.0, and not Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is rolling out to users.

User reports via by the Xperia Blog, confirmed by the smartphone's own support page, claim that firmware version 32.1.A.1.163 is available for all three Xperia Z5 variants - namely the Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Premium, and the Xperia Z5 Compact.

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the international versions of the Sony Xperia Z5 come with February Android security patch from Google and includes all the native features. The update also comes with a new home launcher.

Sony is said to have missed out on Stamina Mode for the Xperia Z5 in the latest firmware release - though to be noted is that Android 6.0 Marshmallow has its a new battery saving feature - Doze. However, it might show up in later updates. To refresh, Android 6.0 Marshmallow (previously just Android M) brings features such as revamped app permissions; Google Now on Tap feature; Android Pay mobile payment system, and new fingerprint APIs for developers among others.

Sony Xperia Z5 support page adds that the Android 6.0 Marshmallow also brings enhanced privacy settings where users can manage and control their application data permissions; new camera interface that lets user switch between modes and customize settings with simple gestures; smart battery life with Doze functionality; Xperia Messaging, and direct share.

The Japanese consumer electronics giant back in October last year confirmed some of its devices that will be receiving the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. It however did not give a particular time frame for the OS rollout.