New PS5 update (January 2026). Sony introduces important changes.

Calendar 1/30/2026

Sony started the year 2026 by releasing a new version of system software for PlayStation 5. The update numbered 26.01-12.60.00.06 weighs about 1.3 GB and, unlike many previous patches, does not limit itself to just "improving stability".

Message Read Confirmation

The most important and widely discussed new feature is the introduction of message read confirmations. From now on, users can see if their friends have read the message sent. However, Sony has taken care of privacy because the feature is optional. To configure it, you need to go to:

  • Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and adjust privacy settings, and then in the Communication and Multiplayer section, change the status of the Show read confirmations option.

Faster Access to Shared Fun

Another improvement is the integration of the Friends Activity widget in the Welcome Hub. Players can now "jump" directly into the game their friend is currently playing, straight from the main menu, which significantly reduces the time needed to join a shared session.

In addition to the features mentioned above, the update brings:

  • Enhancements to the usability and appearance of messages on selected screens.

  • Standard performance and system stability improvements.

It is worth remembering that the read receipt feature is being introduced gradually, so it may not be visible to all users immediately after the patch installation.

The system update is also a great time to consider upgrading your TV. Sony models for 2025/2026 have plenty of features dedicated to PS5, which automatically optimize the picture for PS5. If you are planning to replace your screen, here are 10 recommended Sony models.

Source: MP1st

Paweł Koper Avatar
Paweł Koper

Journalist, reviewer, and columnist for the "ChooseTV" portal