In an exciting development for smartphone enthusiasts, support for LineageOS 23.0 has finally been extended to the Sony Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV models. This news is particularly welcome for those who own these devices, especially as the availability of Sony’s Xperia range has significantly decreased over recent years.
Launched in 2022, both the Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 IV stand out with their distinctive 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a unique viewing experience on Android devices. Interestingly, they also retain some nostalgic features, such as the inclusion of a microSD card slot, which many users appreciate. However, it’s worth noting that Sony has not been the most reliable when it comes to delivering timely updates for their smartphones. As of early 2026, the last official over-the-air (OTA) update for these models was the stable release of Android 15, which you can verify through Sony's support page.
Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that either model will receive the newly announced Android 16 update, leaving many users looking for alternatives to keep their devices current. This is where LineageOS 23.0 steps in. This custom ROM presents an opportunity to upgrade to a more recent version of Android, specifically Android 16, and sets the stage for an eventual Material You Expressive update in the months ahead. However, this progress is contingent upon resolving certain obstacles, particularly the slow release of Android Open Source Project (AOSP) builds by Google.
At this point, it’s important to clarify that while LineageOS 23.0 offers a pathway to newer software, it does not yet include the significant visual changes introduced with Android 16 QPR1. The current builds are based on the June 2023 release, which means users won't have access to the aesthetic enhancements that remain exclusive to Google's Pixel devices at this time. Nevertheless, given that Sony is unlikely to provide any substantial future updates for the Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV, utilizing LineageOS 23.0 is an excellent way to prolong the usability of these smartphones.
If you’re interested in upgrading your device, detailed instructions and necessary files can be found through the following links:
As always, proceed with care when flashing a custom ROM to ensure the best outcomes, and make sure to adhere to all instructions closely to avoid any issues.
For those keen on exploring more about LineageOS, it's interesting to note that there are now official supports for several other devices, including the Pixel 9a, OnePlus 13, and OnePlus 12, reflecting a growing community around this custom operating system.
FTC Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links that generate income.
