PS5 System Update for January 2026 Is Now Available

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Sony has released a new software update for the PlayStation 5, marking the first major update of 2026. This update improves the console’s performance and stability, and also introduces a new feature: read receipts for messages. Now, players can see when their friends have read their messages. The update, version 26.01-12.60.00, is available globally, but Sony notes that the read receipt feature won’t be available to everyone immediately.

PlayStation 5 owners will probably continue receiving updates for quite some time. Reports suggest Sony might delay the release of the PlayStation 6 until 2029, meaning the PS5 could be supported for longer than the typical eight-year console lifespan. A financial analyst believes the delay is likely, despite earlier expectations of a 2027 or 2028 launch – based on comments from Sony’s lead hardware designer, Mark Cerny. The main reason for the potential delay appears to be a current shortage and rising costs of RAM, which could push the PS6’s release back to 2029 or even later.

Latest PS5 Update Adds New Feature

The PlayStation 5 continues to receive updates and support, with the latest firmware released globally on January 28th. This update, version 26.01-12.60.00, introduces read receipts for messages, letting you see if your friends have read them. It also allows you to quickly jump from the Welcome Hub’s activity feed directly into the games your friends are playing. As usual, the update includes improvements to the console’s overall stability and performance.

Want to let friends know you’ve seen their messages on PlayStation? You can turn on read receipts by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and Customise Your Privacy Settings. Then, under Communication and multiplayer, switch ‘Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App’ to ‘Allow’. Keep in mind that Sony is releasing this feature to users gradually, so if you don’t see the setting right away after updating your console, it will become available to you soon.

Sony hasn’t released a big update for the PS5 in a while. The last substantial change was in November with the addition of new features to the Welcome Hub, and a smaller update in December focused on improving stability and performance. With rumors suggesting the PS6 might be delayed, it’s unclear if Sony plans any major PS5 updates in the coming years, or if we’ll just see more minor improvements.

PlayStation Plus is off to a great start in 2026! Subscribers recently gained access to nine new games through the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs. With titles like Resident Evil Village – released ahead of next month’s Resident Evil Requiem – and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, there’s plenty to keep both PS4 and PS5 players entertained.

PS5 Update 26.01-12.60.00 Patch Notes for January 2026

  • You can now jump directly from the Friends Activity widget in your Welcome Hub to the games your friends are playing.
  • You can now turn on read receipts to show other players when you’ve read their messages.
    • To turn on your read receipts, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and Customise Your Privacy Settings. Under Communication and multiplayer, set Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App to Allow.
    • This feature will be rolled out gradually, and some users will be able to use it when the system software update is released.
  • We’ve improved the messages and usability on some screens.
  • We’ve improved system software performance and stability.

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2026-01-28 15:07