The Android 5.0 Lollipop update has been gaining steam in the last few months as more and more devices are getting the patch available for download, but Samsung's own Galaxy line may be one of the most anticipated as several of the company's smartphones and tablets are being patched this week.
The delay is mostly due to the addition of Samsung's own TouchWiz user interface that is adds to the mobile operating system, as well as the approval process that each carrier must perform before allowing the software on their network.
But now that Android's latest upgrade has been available for over 90 days, the flood of manufacturers announcing Lollipop is growing.
Samsung Galaxy 5
Galaxy S5 users on the Sprint and Verizon networks should be happy campers this week as the 5.0 Lollipop update has been made available by both carriers. Verizon was the first to start the Lollipop rollout on February 3, and now Sprint is following up this week. No word yet from AT&T, T-Mobile, or U.S. Cellular.
Samsung Galaxy 4
The Galaxy S4 LTE-A edition (model #GT-19506) is now being updated to the 5.0.1 version of Android Lollipop. It was only last week when that same update dropped in Russia and other parts of Europe, which is usually a sure sign that the rest of world can expect the operating system update soon.
This update was just made available for Austria, Czech Republic, and Germany, with the GT-19500 model also getting the update in India, but that means the U.S. version is coming very soon.
According to SamMobile, this update is so large at 1049MB that Samsung "will be removing some pre-loaded apps like Google Play Books, Movies and others to make space."
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Although the Galaxy Note 4 has not yet seen the latest Lollipop software just yet, it has already been mentioned by Samsung to be coming "soon." Many experts believe that the delay is due to a code conflict for the Gear VR accessory, while other believe that TouchWiz is being fine-tuned specifically for the Note 4 and its stylus. Either way, there's been no definite release date for the latest OS software for the Note 4, but the model has been named as one of the devices to receive Lollipop in the future.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
And we can end on a bit of good news as the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is said to be sending out the Android 5.0 Lollipop update right along with the Galaxy S4 updates in Russia and Europe. Sprint is currently working on getting the update out for the Note 3 in the form of 5.0 and not 5.0.1, sadly.
In addition to these updates, Samsung is expected to roll out Android 5.0 Lollipop on the Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Note 2, and the Galaxy S5 Mini in the near future.
