Sony Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV Get LineageOS 23.0: Android 16 Lives On
Can you still run Android 16 on your Sony Xperia 1 IV or Xperia 5 IV? Yes—if you’re willing to go custom. In early 2026, both devices officially gained support for LineageOS 23.0, a community-driven Android build based on the latest Android 16 platform. While Sony has halted major OS updates for these 2022 flagships, this new development breathes fresh life into their software experience, offering performance improvements, security patches, and access to newer features—without needing to buy a new phone.
For users who value longevity, customization, and Sony’s unique 21:9 display design, this is welcome news. Here’s what you need to know about LineageOS 23.0 on the Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV—and whether it’s right for you.
Why LineageOS 23.0 Matters for Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV Owners
Sony’s commitment to long-term software support has historically been inconsistent. Despite launching the Xperia 1 IV and Xperia 5 IV with Android 12 in mid-2022, the company only delivered one major OS upgrade—to Android 15—by early 2026. With Android 16 now rolling out across Google’s ecosystem, many assumed these devices were at the end of their update road.
Enter LineageOS: the open-source alternative that keeps capable hardware alive long after manufacturers walk away. The newly released LineageOS 23.0 builds for the Xperia 1 IV (codenamed pdx223) and Xperia 5 IV (pdx224) are based on Android 16’s initial AOSP (Android Open Source Project) release from June 2025. That means core OS enhancements, under-the-hood optimizations, and compatibility with modern apps—all without bloatware.
This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about extending the usable lifespan of two of the most distinctive Android phones of the last decade.
What’s New in LineageOS 23.0 for Sony’s Flagships
LineageOS 23.0 brings the foundational elements of Android 16 to Sony’s premium duo. While it doesn’t yet include the full Material 3 Expressive visual overhaul introduced in Android 16 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1)—which remains exclusive to Pixel devices for now—it does deliver significant backend upgrades.
Key improvements include:
- Enhanced privacy controls with more granular app permissions
- Better battery management through adaptive background limits
- Improved media handling for high-resolution audio and video
- Refined gesture navigation tuned for tall, narrow screens like Sony’s 21:9 panels
Crucially, LineageOS also strips away carrier bloat and preinstalled apps, giving users a cleaner, faster experience. For power users and tech reviewers who rely on consistent performance—especially when testing enterprise or creative workflows—this leaner OS can actually outperform Sony’s stock firmware.
The 21:9 Advantage Gets a Second Wind
Few manufacturers still champion the cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio, but Sony’s persistence has paid off for creators, multitaskers, and mobile cinephiles. The Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV remain among the best devices for split-screen productivity, video editing, and immersive media consumption.
With LineageOS 23.0, that advantage isn’t just preserved—it’s enhanced. The custom ROM optimizes system UI scaling for the elongated display, ensuring third-party apps render correctly and system menus feel native. Early testers report smoother scrolling and reduced input lag compared to the final official Android 15 build.
For professionals who use their phones as mobile workstations—whether editing 4K footage in DaVinci Resolve or managing dual messaging apps side-by-side—the combination of hardware uniqueness and software freshness makes this upgrade especially compelling.
Important Limitations to Understand
While LineageOS 23.0 unlocks Android 16, it’s not a perfect drop-in replacement. Because Google releases AOSP code gradually, the current build lacks some of Android 16’s flashier features, including the dynamic theming engine and AI-powered system suggestions.
More critically, certain proprietary Sony components—like the advanced camera processing pipeline—may not function fully under LineageOS. Users should expect basic camera functionality (thanks to community HAL adaptations), but won’t get the full suite of pro-grade photo and video tools found in Sony’s native Imaging Edge Mobile app.
Additionally, flashing a custom ROM voids warranty (though likely irrelevant for 2022 devices in 2026) and carries risk. A misstep during installation could soft-brick your device. Always back up data and follow verified guides before proceeding.
How to Install LineageOS 23.0 Safely
Installation requires unlocking the bootloader—a process Sony permits but doesn’t actively encourage. Once unlocked, users must flash a compatible recovery (like TWRP), wipe partitions, and sideload the LineageOS 23.0 ZIP file along with Google Apps (if desired).
Official builds and step-by-step instructions are available through the LineageOS download portal for:
- Xperia 1 IV (pdx223)
- Xperia 5 IV (pdx224)
The community strongly recommends using the latest stable recovery and verifying checksums before flashing. While the process is well-documented, it’s not beginner-friendly. If you’ve never rooted a phone or flashed a ROM, consider practicing on a secondary device first.
That said, for experienced users, the payoff is substantial: a near-stock Android 16 experience with monthly security patches maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Why This Keeps Sony’s Legacy Alive
In an era where most flagship phones look and feel the same, Sony’s Xperia line stood out—not just with its 21:9 screen, but with microSD expansion, headphone jacks, and physical shutter buttons. These weren’t gimmicks; they were deliberate choices for professionals who demanded flexibility.
By embracing LineageOS, the Xperia 1 IV and 5 IV avoid premature obsolescence. Instead of becoming e-waste in 2026, they transform into lean, future-ready machines powered by community ingenuity. This aligns perfectly with growing consumer demand for repairability, upgradability, and digital sustainability.
For enterprise users evaluating mobile platforms, this also demonstrates how open-source ecosystems can extend hardware ROI—especially for niche but high-performance devices.
A Smart Move for Power Users
If you still own an Xperia 1 IV or Xperia 5 IV, LineageOS 23.0 isn’t just a nostalgic experiment—it’s a practical upgrade path. You’ll gain access to Android 16’s core improvements, enjoy a cleaner interface, and keep using a uniquely capable device long after mainstream support ends.
Just remember: this route is best suited for technically confident users who understand the trade-offs. But for those willing to take the leap, it’s a rare win—where passion, engineering, and user agency converge to defy planned obsolescence.
Your Sony phone may no longer be on Sony’s roadmap. But thanks to LineageOS, it’s very much still on yours.
