Sony registers Xperia 1 IX for 2027: three variants and satellite connectivity

Three new Sony smartphone models — XQ-HH44, XQ-HH54, and XQ-HH74 — have appeared in the GSMA IMEI database. The registration is dated August 4, 2026, and analysts link these identifiers to the upcoming Xperia 1 IX flagship. The letter «H» in the naming corresponds to model year 2027, while devices from 2025 carried the «F» designation and 2026 models used «G».

The three identifiers do not represent different handsets but rather regional variants of a single device. The XQ-HH44 version is being prepared for the Japanese market and, according to registry data, will support satellite connectivity based on 3GPP standards. This feature enables SOS signals to be sent without a mobile tower, which is particularly important in a country where natural disasters occur frequently. The XQ-HH54 model targets Europe and other global markets, while the XQ-HH74 is intended for Greater China.

The digit «4» at the end of the marking traditionally indicates eSIM support, signaling Sony's gradual shift away from physical SIM cards. Given the brand's conservative approach, however, the retention of a memory card slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack — already rare in the flagship segment — remains a plausible expectation.

Technical specifications are not disclosed in the IMEI database. Sony is expected to maintain its signature tall 4K display and professional camera controls borrowed from the Alpha lineup. The inclusion of satellite connectivity in the Japanese version hints at the potential expansion of this technology to global models. The early registration may indicate either a lengthy development cycle or the company's intent to lay groundwork for new communication standards well in advance.