Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Release Coming: Verizon HTC One Update Schedule On Track For Late-October, Galaxy Nexus Update Uncertain

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean has begun to make its rounds on various U.S. models of the HTC One, and while some models have yet to update, an HTC official has reassured that those updates are coming soon.

The Sprint and AT&T models of the HTC One have both updated to Android 4.3 within the first two weeks of October, and the T-Mobile HTC One is expected to update to Android 4.3 within mid-October.

Though the Verizon HTC One has been pegged for a late-October Android 4.3 release, some customers are still concerned about the certainty of that schedule. Notably, the Verizon HTC One released in August with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean on board and has long been the only standard U.S. model to receive an updated Android version. Previously there was worry that the Android 4.2.2 update would mean the Verizon HTC One would not see Android 4.3; however, HTC President Jason Mackenzie has insisted that is not the case.

Mackenzie has been diligent about keeping HTC One fans up to date with the Android 4.3 update schedule. On Wednesday the HTC head responded to a curious patron via Twitter, reiterating that the Verizon HTC One update to Android 4.3 is on track for late October. Though the concern is understandable considering many were expecting to see the HTC One Android 4.3 update roll out in September for U.S. models. Instead, certifications from various U.S. carriers likely unintentionally delayed Android 4.3 update rollouts for the HTC One.

The HTC One Android 4.3 update includes such Android features as Bluetooth LE, OpenGL ES 3.0 and Android Daydream, as well as a few updates to HTC’s Sense 5 UI and likely other carrier specific updates.

What About The Verizon Galaxy Nexus?

While the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update schedule for the HTC One rolls on, Verizon veteran the Galaxy Nexus may not be as lucky to update to Google’s latest system. Android 4.3 originally released in July and immediately rolled out on several Nexus devices including the unbranded GSM Galaxy Nexus, but months later the Verizon Galaxy Nexus has still not seen an update. According to a Verizon representative on its community page, an Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy Nexus is not yet in the works.

We understand the need of the latest & greatest, shirke! At this time, this update is not availble for the Galaxy Nexus. Currently we do not have this information on when or if it will be available. Once or if available, you will receive a notification to update the software.

As the next Google iteration, Android 4.4 KitKat is expected to release soon, likely before the end of the month, the Verizon Galaxy Nexus remains on Android 4.2.2. The unbranded Galaxy Nexus will likely update to Android 4.4 along with its Nexus counterparts upon release of the system but the update future for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is uncertain. The device has long been plagued with slow updates; the Verizon Galaxy Nexus notably updated to Android 4.2.2 in March and is still waiting for bug fix updates for that system as other Nexus device seamlessly move on from one Android update to the next.

There is a possibility the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will simply update to a later version of Android such as Android 4.4. Many devices, such as the HTC One has skipped updates in the most recent Android 4 series due to them being particularly minor updates. Android 4.4 in addition is expected to be another minor update after Android 4.3; unfortunately Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners may just have to wait it out until the next update is confirmed.

Follow me on Twitter @FionnaatIBT.