PS5's latest firmware update just started rolling out, here's what you need to know

Version 26.04-13.42.00 is here.

It's that time of the month again: Sony has begun sending out a new PS5 system software update for users of both the base model and the PS5 Pro, and (like previous updates) it appears to be rolling out in via a phased release.

At the time of writing, I have just booted up my PS Portal and can see the update has appeared for me - so other UK users may also be seeing the update arrive on their devices, too. Similarly to the last system update, the new firmware update weighs in at just over 1.2 GB.

But what does it do? Here are the official patch notes:

We've improved system software performance and stability.

There have been plenty of these small updates to the PS5 system over the course of its life, and they're often implemented to bolster the machine's security, or iron out any bugs that have been caught by Sony. Sometimes, we'll get new functionality in a patch like this, but today it's simply an update targeting stability.

Your console should download and apply this update automatically, but if it hasn't, simply select Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. From here, you can turn on Download Update Files Automatically and Install Update Files Automatically, making this process more painless in the future.

We should be thankful for these updates, really: it looks like many of us are going to be using our PS5s for a long time to come - what with Sony not expecting to sell the PS6 at a loss as componenets for the machine begin to orbit the $1000 tidemark. This may just be a small stability patch, but right now I will take anything that means my PlayStation 5 Pro will have a bit more life in it yet.