Sony says the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Xperia S is back on track, following earlier issues that had affected the roll-out.
A reader on our Facebook wall asked CNET UK to investigate whether Sony had halted the much-anticipated update, having had problems several days ago that had stymied the company's attempts to get the update onto customers' phones.
I put the question to Sony, who told me there were indeed issues with the roll-out, but that the update was now back on schedule.
That's good news for Xperia S owners who haven't received the update yet. The Android 4.0 update began nearly two weeks ago on 21 June, though Sony cautioned at the time that the new software would be making its way to mobiles over the next few weeks.
According to Sony's support forum, the earlier glitch saw owners struggling to update, even if their mobile's SI number was on Sony's list of devices that were primed to receive the spangly software.
The update will arrive just in time to be out of date once more, as Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is about to launch on the Google Nexus 7 tablet. So far only the Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Google Nexus S have been confirmed to receive that new version of Android.
Sony has a list of Xperia S SI numbers so you can see if the update is ready for your phone yet. Previously the Japanese company has seemed to warn customers off upgrading, talking up the "extreme stability" of its Android 2.3 Gingerbread software.
If you're keen to know what's new with Ice Cream Sandwich on the Xperia S, Sony's put together this promo vid. If it's the phone itself you're wanting to ogle, then point your peepers at our video review below.
Are you sick of waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich? Do manufacturers need to move quicker when it comes to updates? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
24 month contract
24 month contract
Comments 40
Add your comment
anonymous 4 July, 2012 17:06
My Xperia S (SI: 1257-3114) was never locked to any network (on an O2 contract through the Carphone Warehouse), and still no sign of an update.
Quite honestly, I cannot understand why the update isn't rolled out at the same time to all handsets which are not tied to networks. This only encourages owners to risk their warranties by unlocking and rooting their handsets.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 18:05
i have got SI 1257-3114 but still no update, i am really give up this set and back normal handset, i like sony branded every thing but since this set i would be ..........
anonymous 4 July, 2012 22:30
Well, I just hope that ICS doesn't have a major affect on the battery and basic features. Once phones start getting Jelly Bean...the next one will be ready for an announcement. Technology these days gets out of date too quickly. I would be perfectly happy with Gingerbread, but I like to stay up to date with things.
anonymous 4 July, 2012 23:14
Still waiting for an update to a sim free handset that I thought would be easier to update to ICS than a network branded handset. My SI is 1257-3114 and all Sony can manage is "keep waiting". It isn't good enough and Sony should remember that if customers have a bad experience they will simply vote with their wallet and switch to some other brand who are capable of updating software in a proper manner.
Looks like I'll be looking at an iPhone or a Nexus handset when I next upgrade, which is a shame as I like what Sony have done with android and the Xperia S.
Simon Rowley 4 July, 2012 23:55
you would think sony would update the phones that are not tied to a network first. I love sony but this experianceis making me think i will get a samsung or HTC in future if sony cant manage there firmware properly
anonymous 5 July, 2012 00:33
When will the update for t-mobile network start to roll out ?
anonymous 5 July, 2012 02:49
I have to agree with the issues regarding handsets with SI 1257-3114 (generally seems to be UK sim-free), while it is unfair that ANY of us have to wait while OTHERS get their updates (seems to be the locked handsets?), it seems that these handsets are going to get the rough privilege of being among the last to be updated, if you believe the buzz on the Xperia S blogosphere.
As someone who did not get this phone as a contract upgrade, but rather pure choice and admiration for previously used Sony (Ericsson) devices, I can't help but feel especially disappointed that the sim-free Xperia S, has frankly been so disappointing.
Further, after having switched from Apple to Android, I'm very disheartened that the platform updates are not as uniformly done. Here I thought I was leaving the slavery of empty branding and artificial obsoletion, I've instead been duped into the triviality of pointless waiting for outdated software.
anonymous 5 July, 2012 07:41
Sony need to get their act together they always seem to be way behind other manufacturers when it come to upgrades. I got the Xperia s based on its selling point of soon getting upgraded to ICS. Now how long will we have to wait for jelly bean it's not good enough sony
anonymous 5 July, 2012 10:01
I have a sim-free Xpreia S and received the ICS upgrade last week, so it's surprising to see that some on here still haven't got ICS. F you haven’t already done it, try the following:
From the home screen:
Settings - About phone - Software update
Then touch the menu key (right side above transparent bar) to pull up another settings option.
Touch Settings
Select ‘Allow automatic update’
Select ‘Via 3G/Wi-Fi’.
Go back to the Update center
Touch on the menu (right side above transparent bar)
Touch Refresh
Give it a moment and you might get notification of the update. It’s a bit around the houses but that method worked for me.
MikeBuck_1 5 July, 2012 14:54
It was actually me that asked CNET, woohoo i'm famous!! anyway, I asked because there was a big flourish if model numbers that were updated then since the 27th there seems to have been 4 or 5 model numbers and only 2 in july so far, which is wierd, if they are leaving it because of demand then fair enough, but i'm seeing my PC companion failing to get to the server 2 out of 5 times, which says other issues to me. wierdly my model is 1257-3114 aswell!
anonymous 5 July, 2012 15:34
My Vodapone UK Contract Xperia S from Phones4u is stating I can do an upgrade but I have given up trying as it keeps failing...
anonymous 5 July, 2012 23:48
Got my ICS update yesterday in Australia via Optus. No problems.
anonymous 6 July, 2012 02:00
I'm on a sim-free 1257-3114. FYI the above instruction on the handset SUS does not work I'm afraid. Still says I have "up-to-date" software. Same with PC Companion.
Been checking the handset SUS (following the same instructions as above) and PC companion everyday since the update 'came out', actually.
MikeBuck_1 6 July, 2012 09:34
Check out the online update page at http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/software/phones/xperia-s, interestingly there was a link to that page from the Sony page that lists all the SI numbers that can be updated, Sony have REMOVED that link overnight!!!!!! once again, this smells of issue, sorry CNET, and thanks for trying, but looks like you've been told a dodgy story!
MikeBuck_1 6 July, 2012 09:35
although the SI list now has more numbers on it in july.
anonymous 6 July, 2012 17:49
As the first commenter above, it's nice to know there are other "1257-3114" owners out there, waiting patiently for their updates! Maybe we'll all get a nice Christmas present from Sony!
I don't understand what's holding up the "roll out" to unlocked handsets, but it's not worth losing sleep. The handset is great, everything seems to work well and I found a good leather case. But please Sony - get the chap in the basement to peddle a little faster!
anonymous 7 July, 2012 09:03
Also 3114 UK unlocked handset. Sort it out Sony. Not happy!
anonymous 8 July, 2012 13:33
same problem here, 3114, when i got my phone a couple of weeks ago, there was an update on pc companion, but it only updated to 2.3.7.
anonymous 9 July, 2012 05:45
Yeahhh... this is taking way too long. Think I might sell/recycle my 1257-3114 for the Samsung Galaxy S3.
I'll take my chances with the exploding battery in exchange for the ICS. Way to be off-point with your (UK) consumers, Sony.
anonymous 9 July, 2012 11:02
I have SI 1257-3114 it says i can do the update but fails upon doing so anyone get even the notification
MikeBuck_1 9 July, 2012 11:16
may be an earlier update that you didn't get, cos the 3114 phones are on the list of ICS rool out yet, to see the list use the following link: http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/software/phones/xperia-s
MikeBuck_1 9 July, 2012 11:17
aren't on, sorry!
anonymous 9 July, 2012 11:54
Absolute joke. So 3114 is UK handset. Surely the UK market is pretty important to Sony? They don't seem to care! They're losing a lot of friends here. I hope they read this
anonymous 9 July, 2012 16:04
Alright so I'm the chap who was going to recycle his Xperia S for the Galaxy S3.
So I kid you not, one hour after I had posted that, I noticed that my XpS died. Been taking care of that thing like a baby (no scratches, cracks, or drops), and it just stopped working! Luckily it happened on my 19th day of ownership of the phone - just returned it to Amazon.co.uk for a refund. I refuse to get a replacement now after this ICS waiting tedium as well due to the general corporate outlook of Sony that seems to say that up-to-date software and features don't matter as much as cranking out cheap smart phones. Plus I've noticed that the customer service forums can't even be held to the same standard as Apple's Genius Bar. You even wonder if their moderators have even owned a Sony phone at times.
Suffice it to say, I take it as a personal message from the universe - this "flagship" phone is worthless.
anonymous 10 July, 2012 08:15
At Phones Review we’ve been attempting to keep readers informed with all the news about Android 4.0 ICS updates and if you’re a Sony Xperia S owner you’ll probably know that there have been some problems with the rollout. We’re pleased to tell you that it seems the Xperia S ICS update is now on schedule again and so those of you who are still waiting should be receiving it soon.
anonymous 10 July, 2012 14:25
Also 3114 handset from CPW. I had the X10i first time around and waited an eternity for updated software on that, now the same situation arises with the Xperia S. Having had Sony phones, then Sony ericsson phones, now back to Sony - since 1996 I have been loyal to the brand, but come 2014 no more. I just hope the nexus device at that point isn't as rubbish as the current Galaxy Nexus.
anonymous 10 July, 2012 14:58
Is anyone other than 3114 handset still waiting?
anonymous 10 July, 2012 16:39
3113 been waiting ages not impressed }:-0
poppy23 11 July, 2012 06:01
3113, WAITING,WATING, waiting.........
anonymous 11 July, 2012 08:20
3114 - still waiting and waiting and waiting! Surely if it's good for one, it's good for the rest? The makeup of the phone isn't different due to these SI numbers? I'm no expert. Anyone know?
MikeBuck_1 11 July, 2012 11:35
The hardware changed because of the yellow screen issue, maybe it has something to do with it, but i think they are still having issues, as the SI list shows some SI's twice with different dates, and they are trying to spread the load. a bit, guess we just have to wait.
anonymous 17 July, 2012 11:20
Looks like they've updated the list again. Gues what?? NO UK SI 1257-3113/4 on there!!!!!!!!!!!
MikeBuck_1 18 July, 2012 10:39
yeah they seem to be updating the list at random times, but about every 3 to 4 days, so i'd just check with PC companion or the online upgrade tool every morning, that's gunna be a quicker way.
anonymous 18 July, 2012 21:36
I have just updated my sony xperia S (simfree) to ICS Android v4.0.4 using Sony PC Companion. Update popped up immediately after connection. The phone is an LT26i SI 1257-3113. Good Luck!
MikeBuck_1 19 July, 2012 09:33
Yep ICS rolling out for 1257-3114 phones
anonymous 22 July, 2012 23:31
Hey chaps, got a pop-up on my desktop from PC Companion saying an update was available for my 1257-3114 phone.
Too bad I no longer own one :/
anonymous 23 July, 2012 09:12
Still haven't received my update yet
anonymous 9 August, 2012 14:46
I'm with o2 and I received my update on Monday. My camera no longer works on the phone (as well as the LED light). It appears like I'll have to re-install the update which will mean I will have to backup and restore all my applications etc. As the phone doesn't have any external memory I am wary that I may actually lose everything in the process.
Other than that the update isn't bad, seems more user friendly.
anonymous 16 September, 2012 09:05
The bloatware CANNOT be removed.
anonymous 17 October, 2012 14:14
xperia s here..i wanna know what's goin on on this ics update? are they already fixed? my problem is after upgrading ics many problems occur in my phone lag issues,unresponsive touch screen,freezing problems..is there any way to fixed this?.i know i'm not the only one who xperiencing this problem after updating ics..any idea?..sony corp. help us!!