Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Release Date Coming: Is Your Device Getting The Update?

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has been running on various Nexus devices for a little less than a month since its late-July release; however, many consumers are now looking forward to seeing the operating system roll out onto other popular smartphones and tablets.

Some manufacturers have confirmed their Android 4.3 updates, but there are a number of OEM devices for which update futures are uncertain. With Android 4.3 only a minor update compared to Android 4.1 and Android 4.2, it appears many manufacturers are opting to skip the Android 4.2.2 update in favor of Android 4.3. Many other devices have also been stuck on Android 4.1 for some time and are scheduled to update directly to Android 4.3.

Here’s a rundown of current information for Android 4.3 updates for various devices currently on the market, according to their respective manufacturers.

HTC

HTC recently confirmed that the HTC One and the Droid DNA will be updating directly to Android 4.3 from Android 4.1 by the end of September; however, the update futures of several other HTC devices are currently up in the air. The HTC One S, Droid Incredible 4G LTE, HTC EVO 4G LTE have all been eligible for Android 4.2.2 updates, which have yet to roll out. Rumors indicated that the update for the HTC One S had been cancelled, after which HTC announced it might update the handset. Many have also considered that the Droid Incredible 4G LTE and the HTC EVO 4G LTE may also skip from Android 4.1 to Android 4.3. HTC has stated that is has Android 4.3 under review for implementation into current handsets.

Samsung

A number of Samsung devices are also likely in the running for an Android 4.3 update. Samsung has stated that it plans to upgrade select Galaxy devices to Android 4.3. As the latest flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S4, is likely in pretty good standing to be updated to Android 4.3. The Galaxy Nexus, notably a 2011 collaboration between Samsung and Google already runs stock Android 4.3 on unlocked handsets that were sold directly by Google. However the Galaxy Nexus is also powered by the Verizon network. Many are certain that the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will update to Android 4.3 at some point as Big Red has told customers on its online help community to keep an eye out for software announcements for the Galaxy Nexus.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 are expected to skip Android 4.2.2 in favor for an Android 4.3 update. Recently, German carrier Deutsche Telekom said that Android 4.3 will be the next update for the Galaxy S3, while Australian carrier Telstra shared on its support page that the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy Note 2 has been “withdrawn” in favor for a newer version, likely also Android 4.3. Ever since the German Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus received and update to Android 4.2.2, many have wondered if the original Galaxy S2 may also see an update. However, the device is notably more than 2 years old and has already received two system updates. It is not only uncertain but also unlikely that the Galaxy S2 will update to Android 4.3.

Motorola

Motorola is an enigma among OEMs because it is owned by Google but is not particularly open with information concerning Android updates. Many devices released within the last year are currently running Android 4.1 with no sign of update. Recently unveiled devices such as the Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Mini will release with Android 4.2.2. However, we note that many Motorola devices released in late 2012 such as the Droid Razr M, the Droid Razr HD and the Droid Razr Maxx HD shipped with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and quickly updated to Android 4.1 within a few months of release. Perhaps we will see a speedy update to Android 4.3 once these devices release, but this cannot be confirmed. Motorola has not canceled any updates on older devices, so its plans for Android 4.3 remain a mystery.

Sony

Since confirmation from Sony came directly after the unveiling of Android 4.3, consumers can expect to see the operating system roll out onto a number of devices by the manufacturer, including the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia SP and the Xperia Z Ultra. The Sony Xperia SP is notably updating from Android 4.1. There is no word on when these devices will receive Android 4.3.

LG

LG has not yet stated any intention of updating any of its devices. Its recently unveiled LG L2 will ship with Android 4.2.2, while its current flagship, the LG Optimus G, runs Android 4.1. LG is not expected to update any of its directly branded devices to Android 4.3 in the near future. The current Nexus flagship smartphone, the Nexus 4 is notably made by LG and runs Android 4.3.

Do you think your handset will be among those to recieve an Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update? Let us know in the comments below.

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