Android 6.0 Marshmallow certified for Sony devices in Japan

Versions of the Xperia Z4 and Xperia Z5 sold in Japan have been spotted in the Wi-Fi certification database, suggesting the update is on track for the rumored release date from January.

In order for a device to be called Wi-Fi compatible, it must be certified by the WiFi Alliance, the body that develops the wireless communication standard. Existing devices running new Android versions must go through the same process, and that can provide a glimpse at OEM’s plans for Android updates.

A Japanese website discovered (via Xperia Blog) that Android 6.0 Marshmallow was certified for Xperia Z5 versions sold by NTT docomo, Softbank, and au. The certification documents also mention the NTT docomo’s Xperia Z5 Premium, and several carrier versions of the Japan-exclusive Xperia Z4.

It may take many weeks until the update actually arrives to the devices mentioned above, but at least on surface, this report meshes with rumors about the Android 6.0 update hitting Sony flagships as early as next month.

Thanks to the Sony Marshmallow concept beta program, we know that Sony has already made solid progress with Android 6.0. And, as you can see from our hands-on, it looks like Sony users are in for a treat. That is, if they are on Sony’s list of devices that were officially confirmed to get Marshmallow:

• Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, and Xperia Z5 Premium
• Xperia Z4 Tablet
• Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
• Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet
• Xperia M5, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M4 Aqua and Xperia C4

For a high-level look of all Android Marshmallow news and rumors, head over to our Android 6.0 updates roundup.