Sony has started rolling out a new system software update for its flagship console. playstation 5. The latest firmware update is the first to be released in 2026 and includes general stability and performance improvements for the PlayStation 5, as well as a new feature that allows players to turn on read receipts so they'll be more aware when their friends are being ignored. Firmware version 26.01-12.60.00 is currently rolling out globally, but Sony says not all users will have access to the new read receipts feature right away.
PlayStation 5 owners can expect a lot more firmware updates in the future, as it is believed that Sony may have pushed back the PS6's release date until 2029 at the latest. In this case, it means the PS5's life cycle will be extended beyond the typical eight years that consoles typically spend. The release date for the next-gen consoles will likely be much later than expected, according to a senior analyst at MST Financial. Given that Sony's chief console designer Mark Cerny said the PS6 would be released within a few years, many had expected a release in 2027 or 2028, which would be in line with the typical eight-year life cycle. However, the ongoing RAM crisis could have significant ramifications, which could mean the console won't see the light of day until 2029 or later.
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New features added in latest PS5 update
So while it doesn't look like the PS5 will be released anytime soon, users will be happy to know that support for another new feature for the console continues. As part of the latest firmware update, which began rolling out globally on January 28, Sony added the ability for PS5 owners to turn on read receipts for messages. This lets your friends know whether you've read their message or completely ignored it. With firmware update 26.01-12.60.00, players can also navigate directly to games their friends are playing from the Friend Activity widget in the Welcome Hub. And of course, it wouldn't be a PS5 update without the traditional stability improvements and system software performance upgrades.
If you want your friends to know that you ignored their messages, you can turn read receipts on or off by going to Settings > Users & Accounts > Privacy > View & Customize Privacy Settings. In Communication and Multiplayer, set Allow showing read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App. However, Sony noted that the feature is being rolled out gradually, so it won't be available to everyone right away. So don't be surprised if you've updated your console to the latest firmware but don't see this new setting. You will get it eventually.
It's been a while since Sony released a significant update for the PS5, and the last major change came back in November, when several new widgets and themes were added to the PlayStation 5's Welcome Hub. Another software patch was then released in December, bringing further stability improvements and minor performance changes. With the PS6 rumored to be delayed, it's unknown whether Sony plans to release major updates to the current generation console in the coming years, or if it will continue to be the same.
Thankfully, this year is already shaping up to be a big one for PlayStation Plus subscribers. Nine new games were added to the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs earlier this month, kicking off 2026 with a bang. at resident evil villageThis comes in conjunction with the release of . Resident Evil Requiem next month Like a Dragon: Infinite WealthPS4 and PS5 users have plenty of new games to keep them busy.
PS5 Update 26.01-12.60.00 January 2026 Patch Notes
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You can now go directly to the games your friends are playing from the Friends Activity widget in the Welcome Hub.
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You can now turn on read receipts to show other players whether your message has been read.
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To turn on read receipts, go to: setting > Users and Accounts > seclusion > View and customize privacy settings. below Communications and Multiplayerset Show read receipts to other players on PS5 and PlayStation App to allow.
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This feature will be rolled out gradually, and may be available to some users as system software updates become available.
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Improved messaging and usability on some screens.
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Improved system software performance and stability.
