Xperia Android 17 Update Adds AirDrop Support, Desktop Mode and Press-to-Unlock Fingerprint

• The Xperia Android 17 update adds Quick Share support for sharing content with Apple devices.
• Xperia 1 VIII gains three custom camera looks and a restored press-to-unlock option.
• Five Xperia models are eligible, while update schedules and features vary by device.

The Xperia Android 17 update introduces new features for supported Sony Xperia phones, including desktop mode, redesigned customisation options and improved screen recording. The Mobile software update also brings several changes to the Xperia 1 VIII, including Quick Share support for Apple devices and new AI Camera Assistant options.

Eligible devices include the Xperia 1 VIII, Xperia 1 VII, Xperia 1 VI, Xperia 10 VIII and Xperia 10 VII. The update schedule varies by device, and some features may differ according to the model and software version.

Xperia 1 VIII Android 17 Key Updates

The Xperia 1 VIII receives three notable updates with Android 17: Quick Share support for Apple devices, additional AI Camera Assistant custom looks and a setting that lets users restore the press-to-unlock fingerprint experience.

Quick Share can now share content with Apple devices. The AI Camera Assistant can save up to three custom looks, while the fingerprint setting lets users decide whether the sensor should respond when the screen is off.

Quick Share AirDrop Support

The Xperia 1 VIII gains Quick Share support for sharing content with Apple devices. This makes it possible to use Quick Share for transfers involving compatible Apple devices, including iPhones, without relying solely on the usual Android-to-Android sharing workflow.

AirDrop is Apple’s name for its own sharing feature. Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. The Android 17 update’s Quick Share support is the key change highlighted for the Xperia 1 VIII.

Press-to-Unlock Fingerprint Is Back

The Xperia 1 VIII adds a setting called “Touch to unlock at anytime” under Fingerprint settings, within “When using Fingerprint Unlock”. It controls whether the fingerprint sensor responds when the screen is off.

The setting is ON by default. When enabled, touching the fingerprint sensor can unlock the phone even while the screen is off, which may increase the chance of accidental unlocking. Turning it off restores the press-to-unlock experience: the sensor responds only when the screen is ON.

To change the setting:

• ⚙️ Open Settings on your Xperia 1 VIII.
• 🔐 Go to Fingerprint settings.
• 👆 Find “When using Fingerprint Unlock”.
• 🔄 Set “Touch to unlock at anytime” to ON or OFF, depending on your preference.

Keep the option ON if you want the sensor to respond while the screen is off. Turn it OFF if you prefer the fingerprint sensor to work only when the screen is ON.

AI Camera Assistant Custom Looks

The Xperia 1 VIII’s AI Camera Assistant gains support for up to three registered custom looks with Android 17. Users can save their favourite colour tones and camera settings under named looks, making it easier to return to a preferred style.

Before this update, only one custom look could be registered. Android 17 raises that limit to three and adds data migration support. If AI Camera Assistant suggests a look that you like, you can save it as a custom look for future use.

These camera changes are specifically highlighted for the Xperia 1 VIII. Availability of individual features may vary by device and software version.

Desktop Mode, Icons, Quick Settings and Screen Recording

Desktop Mode for Supported Xperia Phones

Android 17 introduces desktop mode on the Xperia 1 VIII, Xperia 1 VII and Xperia 1 VI. Users can connect a supported phone to an external display and run multiple apps in a computer-like workspace. A keyboard and mouse can be used for tasks such as writing emails and working on documents.

Customisable Wallpaper, Clock and Icons

The update refreshes wallpaper and clock designs and adds options to customise the shape and style of app icons. These changes provide more control over the phone’s home-screen appearance.

Redesigned Quick Settings Panel

The Quick Settings panel receives a fresh look. Users can resize and rearrange tiles, while larger tiles display short descriptions to make their functions clearer.

More Flexible Screen Recording

Screen recording can capture the entire display or a single app. Android 17 also allows device audio and microphone audio to be recorded at the same time, which is useful when capturing on-screen activity with spoken commentary.

Xperia Android 17 Update Eligible Devices

Sony lists five Xperia models as eligible for the Android 17 update. The schedule varies by device, and the availability of individual features can also depend on the model and software version.

The Sony Xperia 10 VI is not getting Android 17, following the cancellation of its update, as covered in our earlier article on the Xperia 10 VI Android 17 update cancellation.

Sony has not given one schedule for the Xperia Android 17 update across all eligible models, so availability should be checked for each phone.

Conclusion

The Xperia Android 17 update adds desktop mode, more customisation and flexible screen recording to supported Xperia phones. The Xperia 1 VIII receives additional changes, including Quick Share support for Apple devices, up to three AI Camera Assistant custom looks and a setting for restoring press-to-unlock fingerprint behaviour. Five models are eligible, but update schedules and feature availability vary by device.

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