In October 2021, Google officially released the stable version of Android 12. Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, accelerated with the update because they are working with betas in the process. Sony was not one of the fastest companies to make the version available, but it did publish a step-by-step guide to compiling AOSP 12.0 for some devices in the Xperia line.
In the meantime, the company has started to release the stable version of the new Android 12 operating system for its devices and it will start with the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. Owners of these phones can identify the update by the number 61.1.A.1.149.
It also includes Android’s December security patch, which may have been delayed for bug fixing, which would explain its delay. The changelog for the update has not been released to know exactly its content, but the new build should introduce all the features that Google debuted in Android 12.
Sony has posted a generic support page on its website about the new operating system to demonstrate the new features but has not updated the kernel repository for its high-end phones. As this is a major update for the Android system, it is recommended that you use a Wi-Fi connection.
So far only the dual-SIM Asian variants of the Xperia 1 III (model number XQ-BC72) and Xperia 5 III (model number XQ-BQ72) have received the update in Russia.
There is no timeline from Sony to release Android 12 worldwide, but it is likely to happen in the next few days.
If you still haven’t received the update notification on your phone, you can manually download it in your phone’s settings and select the option in the software updates section.