Sony is rolling out free v4.0 updates for the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III that supercharge autofocus and bake in video-proof authenticity. Real-time Recognition AF+ boosts person recognition and keeps athletes locked in even during chaotic crossings. Both cameras can now attach C2PA-style authenticity signatures to video, and preset focus now works with non–power zoom lenses. Alpha 9 III gains an Auto recognition target mode and a vertical shooting info layout. More features are slated for additional Alpha models starting November 2025 through 2026.
Support and downloads: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/digital-cameras-interchangeable-lens-cameras/downloads
Check out the official release below:
SAN DIEGO. Oct. 30, 2025 – Sony Electronics is providing free software updates1 for the interchangeable-lens cameras Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III starting October 30, 2025. These updates support "Real-time Recognition AF+ (Plus)" with improved person recognition performance and recording of authenticity information for videos. Some features of this software update are planned for deployment to other models in the future.
Key updates for both the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III models:
- Support for Real-time Recognition AF+ with improved person recognition performance: Enhanced human pose estimation technology allows the camera to continuously track initially captured subjects with high accuracy, even in challenging sports scenes where athletes cross paths.
- Support for recording authenticity information in videos2: Authenticity data, once available only for still images, can now be attached to video recordings as digital signatures, enhancing content verification. For details, please refer here.
- Enable preset focus function for zoom lenses without power zoom: The preset focus function can now be used with zoom lenses that do not have power zoom.
Additionally, the Alpha 9 III has received the following updates:
- The Addition of [Auto] mode to Recognition Target: When Auto is selected in the Recognition Target subject setting, the camera automatically selects and recognizes a subject from among the recognition targets to which check marks were added on the [Auto Recog. Target] screen3
- Vertical orientation support for shooting information layout4: The shooting information layout displayed on screen now supports both horizontal and vertical orientations.
For compatible models and details of each function, please visit the support page for each camera. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/digital-cameras-interchangeable-lens-cameras/downloads
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with Sony's imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.
About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry-leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit https://pixt.me/sonynews for more information.
Notes:
1'Alpha 1 II' (Ver. 4.0), 'Alpha 9 III' (Ver. 4.0) More information here: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/digital-cameras-interchangeable-lens-cameras/downloads
2Models planned to support recording of authenticity information for videos in the Alpha ™ series:
–'Alpha 7R V' 'Alpha 7 IV' 'Alpha 1': scheduled to be supported from November 2025 or later.
–'Alpha 7S III': scheduled to be supported from year 2026 onwards.
3When Auto is selected the camera will normally recognize the subject type automatically, but the wrong type may be selected in some situations. In such cases manually selecting the intended subject type may solve the problem. More information here: ILCE-1M2 | Help Guide | Recognition Target (still image/movie)
4Models planned to support vertical orientation for shooting information layout:
–'Alpha 7R V' 'Alpha 7 IV' 'Alpha 1': scheduled to be supported from November 2025 or later.
You can also visit the Alpha Universe Firmware Page for updates on cameras/lenses.
