Sony Xperia Arc LT15i: Official Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich Update

Sony has just released the much-awaited Ice Cream Sandwich ROM for the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc LT15i . Don’t worry though, because other Xperia 2011 models aren’t getting left out.

The Xperia Arc’s Ice Cream Sandwich update isn’t being released simultaneously around the globe, but rather, the rollout is done by region. But still if you to flash the new update of Experia Arc to your friends  there is a way out.


The procedure is tricky, requires lot of manual steps. But in the end one can experience the feel of Ice Cream Sandwich before the official release.  

Few things that should be kept in mind:

• This update is originally for LT18i, but can be installed on LT15i
• After installation the phone will be recognized as LT18i.
• There might be some bugs pertaining to Experia Arc S (LT18i). But may be in subsequent releases they will be taken care of.
• Check the system requirement properly. Also whether your OS is 32 bit / 64 bit.
• This information is just for sharing purpose. The author has no responsibility if the installation doesn't work.

System Requirements

• Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc LT15i
• A Windows PC
• Enable USB Debugging on your phone. You can do this by heading to Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging. Make sure that there is a check mark beside that option.
• Back-up of your personal files and important data. As after the installation all personal data will be deleted.

Instructions

Installing Flash tool and drivers

1. As the official Flashtool site is currently not allowing a download of the necessary file, you can download it from our mirror here. The zip package includes two files: 1) Flashtool 0.6.9.1 and 2) an update zip file.
2. Update it to version 0.7.0.0, as follows:
1. Install the ‘flashtool-0.6.9.1-windows’ application.
2. Once complete, unzip the ‘update’ file. Move and replace all contents of the zip file to C:\Flashtool
3. Once you have done this, launch Flashtool. The log window should show that you are using ‘Flashtool Version 0.7.0.0 built on 2012-04-14 11:34:01′. To make sure of this you can always go into Help > About to see what version you are using.

After installing the flash tool follow these steps:

1. Head to the Flashtool folder at C:\Flashtool and open the drivers folder. Double-click the Flashtool-drivers.exe file to start installing the essential drivers for your phone.
2. In the driver section of Flashtool, click Nextonce. When prompted for a component selection, choose the following options:
   • Arc-Play-Neo-Acro ADB Drivers
   • Flashmode Drivers
3. Select Next to start installing the necessary drivers. Once the installation process has started, you’ll be bombarded with lots of pop-ups saying that the drivers are not compatible on your PC. Select Install this Driver Anyway on each of the pop-up screen.

Installing the ICS firmware

1. Download the Generic Nordic ICS Xperia arc S firmware from here (377MB). This is firmware version 4.1.A.0.562 which will update your phone to Android 4.0.3. Thanks to XDA Developers.
   A note of warning: Some browsers like Opera will rename the extension of this FTF file as a zip file when trying to download it. Make sure that the downloaded file has a .ftf extension rather than .zip
2. Place the downloaded FTF file inside the c:\Flashtool\firmwares folder.
3. Double-click the FlashTool.exe file found inside the Flashtool folder to start the flashing program.
4. As soon as the Flashtool program opens, click the Flash button from among the first seven buttons found on top of the screen.
5. Select Flashmode on the screen that pops-out, then select OK.
6. You will then see LT15i from among the list of devices in a new window that shows up.  Select the LT15i entry on the list. Check the box beside the label “No Final Verification Check.” Then, hit the OK button.
7. Connect your Xperia Arc to your PC via the USB cable. Plug your USB cable to your PC first. Press and hold the Back key on your phone and connect the other end of the USB cable to your phone.
8. Once your phone is connected, the Flashtool application will automatically start the flashing process.
9. Important! Once the flashing process is done, you may sometimes get an error message saying “Error Flashing”, instead of the “Flashing Complete” message. Ignore this error as it may be a bug in the application. Your firmware should already be flashed on your phone.
10. Disconnect your phone from your PC.
11. Switch on your phone. On your first boot, your phone may restart once at the Sony Logo, then it will normally boot into Ice Cream Sandwich.

Following these steps one can upgrade your Sony Ericsson Experia Arc. 


Note : This update is basically for Xperia Arc S (LT18i), but the same package can be installed on LT15i, but after installing the update ur phone will show as LT18i. (Source: Xperia Blog)