Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra KitKat updates now rolling out, says Sony

By Alex Dobie
last updated

Major software update for Z1 series devices also brings new Sony UI

Sony has announced the rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat for the Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Z Ultra, starting today. The new firmware also includes updated Sony apps, such as Walkman, Album and Movies, and a refreshed UI — likely similar to what we've seen on the Xperia Z2. That's in addition to standard KitKat features like immersive mode and built-in cloud printing support.

We're not yet seeing the update on any of our devices, and Sony reminds us that rollout timing will vary depending on market and carrier, as per usual. So there many be a bit of wait before all devices are fully up to date.

Next up, The manufacturer says the Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and Tablet Z are due to get Android 4.4 from mid-Q2. And the Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2 have also been added to the list for KitKat updates, though there's no firm timetable for those devices just yet.

Source: Sony blog

Alex Dobie
Alex Dobie
Executive Editor

Alex was with Android Central for over a decade, producing written and video content for the site, and served as global Executive Editor from 2016 to 2022.

40 Comments
  • Nice
  • While I'm waiting for the Z2Compact, I wonder if the Z1 Compact will get double-tap to wake up as the Z2 has.
    Anyway, good to know the roll out had started though I think Sony has room to improve their update process. And I hope their new focus on mobile leads to that.
  • How are you waiting for a phone that may not come for a while? Or has not been confirmed to exist? Posted via Moto X or Droid RAZR M on the Android Central App
  • Have you been following Sony lately? It's pretty obvious it will come. Specially when the Z1 Compact is not only selling really well but receiving huge praises (lots of people have big phones, which is why the iPhone is so popular. The Z1C is the only phone on the market that can directly compete with it thanks to its form factor).
    I know that in the US people don't have much of a perception about how Sony products do because you have a very carrier-centric market, but here in Europe, Sony phones are really popular and the Z1C is doing quite well.
    Since the only criticism it's getting is exactly the little things they fixed on the Z2 - like the anti-shatter-screen - I'm quite positive they'll be releasing the Z2 Compact within the next 5 months ;P And I can wait. Nokia is still around. Only when the damn deal with Micro$oft is done and Nokia leaves the scene will I be leaving them (after 15 years). So I have plenty of time to wait for Sony's Z2C or to see what else is coming later to the Android scene from other OEMs that aren't Samsung ;)
  • I'm hoping KitKat gets released soon so I can try Google wallet on it and say stick it to Isis. Posted via Android Central App
  • I assume the z1s is included in this as well? Or are we not state side yet? Posted via Android Central App
  • Nothing on the Z1s yet. But as soon as the Z1 ROM is available I'm sure someone will port it over.
  • Z1S has locked bootloader. No ROMs exist for it last I checked. Though it's been a while. Posted via Android Central App
  • I dont think the Z1s has root yet either.
  • No root access and no unlocked bootloader yet. Watching the thread like a hawk!
  • Do you think the Z1s will receive the official update or will we be screwed by the carriers yet again? And if so when should we expect the update?
  • Does it include the Z1S? Posted via Android Central App
  • I am waiting the update ... till now nothing still waiting... Posted via Android Central App
  • I really hope the Z1S is included in this update. I wouldn't see why not since it's almost identical to the Z1.
  • I guess I am one of the only people that really doesn't want KK... at least until they fix the SDCard issue!
  • It's not broken....
  • Z1s will be a month or two I think. Simply because Tmobile has to add wifi calling and their bloat to it before you get it. At least you know it is coming now!
  • Finally! Now for it to arrive on my phone. Probably another week or two...... Posted via Android Central App
  • Wait... Reading their blog... Are we not getting 'tap to wake' and some of the other features the Z2 has? Pretty identical hardware, so the only reason to not include that is to force people to buy the newer phone. Posted via Android Central App
  • Unfortunately we probably won't get it in this release. Probably not until the Z2 has been out for a few months similar to the Z getting the Z1 goodies after the Z1 was out for a while.
  • Awesome news! Sony is definitely on a roll :) Might just be their year to shine. I was hoping my Xperia Z would get the KitKat update around March or April, but Sony also stated along with this news that it would come in the middle of Q2 2014, so like May I guess. Posted via Android Central App
  • Do we know if this includes an updated camera app for the Z1 and Z1 Compact? Meaning slow-mo video, 4K, and 15.6 mp superior auto?
  • 15,6mp manual is there but the other features no.
  • Im still waiting for jelly bean on my xperia z tablet in the uk sony are crap with updates Posted via Android Central App
  • Kit Kat 4.4.2 arrived today on my Xperia Z1 compact. Unbranded handset from Carphone Warehouse (I'm on O2 network fyi)
    I wish Sony would make their inbuilt apps ChromeCast compatibale, otherwise folk will stick with their media providers that ARE. I'd like to 'cast' my walkman music via chromecast. I'll see if I can make it work!
  • I bought Z1 last week, unlocked here in India and now i'm getting kitkat with updated UI.that's awesome Posted via Android Central App
  • Till now not available in india... Hopefully tomorrow. Posted via Xperia Z1 smart phone.
  • Just now updated my z1 to 4.4.2. Close all apps button is still missing in recent apps and full album art support for Lockscreen is missing.
  • What about double tap wake up... Posted via Xperia Z1 smart phone.
  • Are you serious? We don't even get that. Jeez Sony.
    Posted via Android Central App
  • Updating... Posted via Xperia Z1 smart phone.
  • Connect your phones to your pc I.got.my update last night Posted via Android Central App
  • Got mine...awesome... And i have Lenovo K900 ..and i want this..i want my xperia z1 transfered to this but i'm lovin the update..Got the update through PC Companion Posted via Android Central App
  • No full album art in lock screen, no double tap wake up. No 4k video shoot. Still room for improvement. Posted via Xperia Z1 smart phone.
  • Downloading update!! :D Posted via Android Central App from my Sony Z1
  • For those of you waiting, I just updated my Z Ultra to KitKat using the Sony software bridge on my computer. I was waiting for the OTA update as well and got impatient and decided to connect my Z Ultra to the computer and Voila! FYI I purchased my Z Ultra through the Sony Store online, so YMMV. But if you don't want to wait any longer, I'd try using the ol' fashioned way.
  • How do you force and update using Sony bridge software? I just plugged mine in to my mac and it tells me the software is up to date. UK user with unlocked phone.
  • Just mustn't have made it to you yet mate, I just updated mine this way. Disappointing though really, no double tap, no close all apps button. Just a transparent status bar. Lame Sony. Posted via Android Central App
  • Got the kitkat update on my C6806 this morning via the computer. OTA did not work for me. So far so good, thanks Sony! Posted via Android Central App
  • I just received my Z1 Compact yesterday. First thing it wanted to do was update when I started it up. Got Kitkat rollin' on it and it's a great phone. :)