The Korean tech giant Samsung has just announced that the Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) update will be rolling out to units of the Galaxy S2 in the UK on the 19th of March. This means that S2 owners will finally get to enjoy the latest Android features, which were previously only available to the Galaxy Nexus (the first smartphone to run ICS).
Currently, the update is rolling out to units in a few countries. Samsung announced via Twitter, “ICS for Galaxy S2 will be available today in Europe, including Poland, Hungary, Sweden and Korea & gradually roll out to other markets.”
Speaking to TechRadar, Samsung said, “Samsung UK can confirm that the roll out of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) on Galaxy S II will be available from week commencing 19 March, however the availability of software upgrades in the UK will be dependent upon each network’s own software approvals process.”
This means that SIM-free handsets will get to enjoy Ice Cream Sandwich before units on a contract.
Speaking to TechRadar, a Three spokesperson said, “We are testing Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy S2 and the update is on track.” However, they failed to mention when the update would be rolling out to their S2 customers.
Also speaking to TechRadar, Vodafone said, “The Android 4.0 upgrade for Galaxy S2 smartphones running on the Vodafone UK network is currently under test to make sure that we provide the highest level of final software. As soon as the tests are completed we will upload the software to the update servers as quickly as possible.”
Other networks are yet to announce if they are running tests on the update and when they plan to roll out ICS to the S2. We’ll keep you posted once we know more.
