Android 5.0 Lollipop Update: Verizon Surprises Galaxy S5 Users With First US Roll Out

Samsung Galaxy S5 users on Verizon Wireless are getting a surprise: an alert to update to Android 5.0 Lollipop. The carrier is sending out Google’s latest software as of Monday, having published details about the update on its support website.

A few Galaxy S5 models have previously received the update, including those in Poland, Russia, Malaysia and Spain. The U.K. Galaxy S5 updated to Android 5.0 in mid-January, and updates in Europe are often an indication that U.S. markets would soon receive an update. Pundits are surprised to see Verizon update the Galaxy S5 before other carriers as it is usually one of the last networks to send out new software.

Verizon has sent out the Android 5.0 update over the air, meaning it should reach the Galaxy S5 handsets wirelessly. Users should be prompted to update their devices automatically once the software hits, but they can also access Settings > More > About Device > Software Update to see if an update is available. One Galaxy S5 owner who has received the update, shared via Twitter that Verizon is sending out two sets of software, which will ultimately update users to Android 5.0. All Verizon Galaxy S5 handsets should receive the update in over several days.

The system build or exact system version is called VRU1BNLC, which includes all of the latest Android 5.0 features, such as Google’s Material design interface, on/off toggles, notifications on the onscreen, enhancements to Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, floating action buttons and many more features.

While the Galaxy S5 update has now officially begun in the U.S., HTC announced Thursday that it wouldn’t meet its goal of getting the Android 5.0 update to carrier models of its flagship devices like the HTC One (M8) and HTC One (M7) by Feb.1. Some handsets have updated to Android 5.0, such as the HTC One (M8) in Europe, and the unlocked, developer and Google Play Editions of the smartphone. But no HTC devices in the U.S. have received the new software.