It seems the trend at the moment for many manufacturers is to release as many smartphones as they can each year. This is a strategy used by Samsung, LG and even to some degree, Sony. Although Sony do not release as many smartphones as the others, they are one of the companies who seem to adopt a twice yearly flagship release, as well as various variants of the flagship. Most notable in either a Compact, Ultra or Premium variant.
Well with the Sony Xperia Z5 family now here, many might have been wondering what has happened to the announced Sony Xperia Z4v. This is a Verizon variant of the Xperia Z4 and one which has been a long time in the coming. In fact, it was announced earlier in the summer and even as early as July, rumors had begun to emerge and develop suggesting that the device was being delayed. Then more recently came the reports that the device’s listing had been removed from Sony’s online store. Not exactly good news for the Xperia Z4v and reports like this led many to start to doubt as to whether the Xperia Z4v would ever arrive.
On that note, it now looks like those doubts were worthwhile as Verizon has today confirmed that the Sony Xperia Z4v will not be coming at all. The announcement came via an update to the Xperia Z4v Verizon listing and reads as follows “Verizon will no longer be launching Xperia Z4v, however we are committed to supporting Sony Mobile’s product portfolio and will support existing products.” For those wondering whether this spells the end of the Verizon and Sony partnership, it seems that is not to be the case with today’s update finishing by stating “Sony is a strategic partner as we continue having ongoing discussions together as part of our future portfolio.”
Of course, besides the rumors that have been developing on this, it won’t come as much of a surprise to many that the Xperia Z4v is now being passed on. The length of time between its original announcement and today’s announcement, combined with the Xperia Z5 now beginning to hit stores, it does seem that the Xperia Z4v boat had been missed on this occasion.