Sony has started rolling out the stable Android 16 update for the Xperia 10 VI (XQ-ES54 / XQ-ES72), making it the third Sony smartphone to receive the Android 16 upgrade after the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 1 VII. The new firmware carries the build number 70.2.A.0.266 and has a download size of around 1 GB, depending on the region and carrier. The rollout has begun in select European markets and is expected to expand globally in the coming days.
Sony Xperia 10 VI Android 16 Update Changelogs
According to Sony’s official Help Guide, the Android 16 update introduces several new features, system optimizations, and UI changes.
- New “Modes” feature: Under Settings → Modes, you can use predefined profiles like Bedtime or Driving, or create your own custom mode, for controlling notifications and device behaviour.
- Improved image-quality settings: In Settings → Display → Image quality settings you’ll find a new Recommended option for optimized visuals, plus a changed white balance control.
- Side Sense changes: The Side Sense shortcut settings have been moved to Settings → System → Gestures → Side sense, and some legacy menu items have been removed.
- Lock screen & mirroring updates:
- You can now access lock screen settings directly from Wallpaper & style.
- Screen mirroring (Cast) is now more conveniently accessed from the Quick Settings panel.
- Battery diagnostics / health: A new Battery status screen is available via Settings → System → Device diagnostics → Component health → Battery status, enabling users to view battery health details.
- Removed / relocated features:
- One-handed mode under Display has been removed.
- The previous “Do Not Disturb” menu under Sound & vibration has been removed or redirected into the new Modes interface.
- The “Auto update apps” setting has been moved away from system updates into the Play Store interface.
To check for the update manually, head to Settings > System > Software Update and tap Check for updates. Sony recommends that users have at least 50% battery and a stable Wi-Fi connection before downloading the package. Since the rollout is being released in phases, it may take a few days before it appears on all Xperia 10 VI units.
The Android 16 rollout for the Xperia 10 VI highlights Sony’s commitment to faster and more consistent software updates across its smartphone lineup. With improved personalization, display tuning, and battery diagnostics, this update gives Xperia 10 VI users a refined and more polished Android experience.
