Sony seems to have quietly started pushing Android 12 to a handful of its older Bravia smart TVs, giving long-neglected models a taste of Google’s latest TV software. Owners first began spotting the update this week. It comes more than three years after many of these sets launched running Android 10 or even Android 9.
The rollout kicks off with select 2023 models such as the X75WL, which until now sat stubbornly on Android 10. One Reddit user celebrated the arrival of the new firmware on their X75WL, noting it “was stuck on Android 10 since launch” and finally jumped to Android 12 this week. But the update isn’t restricted to the 2023 sets. Reports are already filtering in from 2021 and 2020 models too, including the KD-50X85J and X90H series.
Android 12 for TV brings several under-the-hood improvements focused on smoother media playback and a more responsive interface. For example, the update can switch refresh rates on the fly to reduce motion judder when watching high-frame-rate content. It also adds advanced display reporting to ensure HDR and surround-sound formats are handled accurately. Privacy gets a bump too with on-screen indicators for camera and microphone use, along with quick toggles to disable them at a system level.
Beyond these core Android 12 features, early adopters are discovering a few Sony-specific tweaks. One user noted that HDMI port 3 now supports variable refresh rate (VRR), doubling the number of ports that can handle VRR gaming. Another mentioned the Google Play Store now surfaces six full UK catch-up TV services as standalone apps, finally filling gaps in the region’s built-in entertainment lineup.
According to Sony’s documentation, the following TVs are eligible for the update (h/t u/SchizoButNotADitzo for highlighting eligible EU models):
XR-55A80J ———— XR-55A83J
XR-55A84J ———— XR-65A80J
XR-65A83J ———— XR-65A84J
XR-77A80J ———— XR-77A83J
XR-77A84J ———— XR-55A90J
XR-65A90J ———— XR-83A90J
KD-43X80J ———— KD-43X81J
KD-43X82J ———— KD-50X80J
KD-50X81J ———— KD-50X82J
KD-55X80J ———— KD-55X81J
KD-55X82J ———— KD-65X80J
KD-65X81J ———— KD-65X82J
KD-75X81J ———— KD-75X82J
KD-43X85J ———— KD-43X85TJ
KD-43X89J ———— KD-50X85J
KD-50X8 ———— KD-50X89J
KD-55X85J ———— KD-55X85TJ
KD-55X89J ———— KD-65X85J
KD-65X85TJ ———— KD-65X89J
KD-75X85J ———— KD-75X85TJ
KD-75X89J ———— KD-85X85J
KD-85X85TJ ———— XR-50X90J
XR-50X92J ———— XR-50X93J
XR-50X94J ———— XR-55X90J
XR-55X92J ———— XR-55X93J
XR-55X94J ———— XR-65X90J
XR-65X92J ———— XR-65X93J
XR-65X94J ———— XR-75X90J
XR-75X92J ———— XR-75X93J
XR-75X94J ———— XR-65X95J
XR-75X95J ———— XR-85X95J
XR-75Z9J ———— XR-85Z9J
Not everyone has seen the update yet. Sony typically staggers deployments by region and serial number, so some sets may queue for days or weeks before waking up with the new notification. You can force-check for updates by going to Settings → Device Preferences → About → System Update, or pair your TV with the “Support by Sony” mobile app, which can nudge your set to scan sooner. Just note that your Sony TV should be on version 6.7632 or later.
If you own an older Bravia and haven’t received the Android 12 prompt, keep an eye on Sony’s official downloads page over the next fortnight. Manual firmware files may appear, allowing you to upgrade via USB. But for most users, the simplest path is a little patience.
Dwayne Cubbins
986 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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