Samsung Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update: when will I get it?

Updated Now available for unlocked Galaxy S2 handsets

By Gareth Beavis & John McCann April 24th 2012

Now Samsung has confirmed the Samsung Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update is landing next week, here's our constantly updated hub of all information for the next level of Android on your flagship Samsung phone.
The problem with Android updates is the process is so staggered, leading to consumers getting angry at the length of time it takes them to receive the next generation of software.

Review

Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich review?

Once Google throws out the source code to the manufacturers, it's up to them to divert resources to combining the latest version of Android with their hardware – this can take longer if there's a skin running atop the OS, as is the case with the Galaxy S2.
And once that's complete, the likes of Vodafone and O2 then have to make sure there are no issues with the new firmware running with their networks – it may sound trivial, but you don't want something like this happening - so check below to see how long you'll be likely to wait for the next generation software to land on your Galaxy S2.
Update: It looks like you need to plug your Galaxy S2 into your computer and access the Ice Cream Sandwich update via Kies. The update will not show up in the Settings > About phone > Software update > Update option on the handset.

See Ice Cream Sandwich in action on the S2 in our demo video

SIM free

Samsung has confirmed to TechRadar that the Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update UK release date will be 19 March.
The news follows Samsung's tweet about the new Android 4.0 software landing in Korea and some parts of Europe:
"ICS for Galaxy S2 will be available today in Europe, including Poland, Hungary, Sweden and Korea & gradually roll out to other markets."
However, it seems the UK won't have to wait too much longer to get the same treatment.
Samsung told us: "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 March 19, however the availability of software upgrades in the UK will be dependent upon each network's own software approvals process."
Update: Even though Samsung said it would be rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich to networks and sim-free Galaxy S2 owners from March 19, a surprising (and confusing) u-turn by Samsung confirms it's still working on the update, with no release date available yet - although Three and O2 users are able to download the update already.
Update: April 17 - Samsung has finally got round to releasing the Ice Cream Sandwich update to unlocked/SIM-free Galaxy S2 handsets.

Three

Three has told TechRadar that it is working on releasing the Samsung Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update as soon as possible.
A spokesperson for Three said: "We are testing Ice Cream Sandwich on the Galaxy S2 and the update is on track", but the network was unable to provide us with a roll-out date.
Update: March 20 - Three confirmed to TechRadar that is has released the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy S2, beating all the other UK networks. If you're on Three, let us know if you've got it yet.

Vodafone

Vodafone has also confirmed that it's received the update from Samsung, and told TechRadar it is hopeful of rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich update in double quick time:
"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.
Update: April 12 - Vodafone has confirmed that the Ice Cream Sandwich update will arrive on April 13 via Kies, and over-the-air on April 17.

O2

O2 has now confirmed it is working on the Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update, but it won't be rolling it out to customers until mid-April. Disappointing O2, disappointing.
Update: An O2 spokesperson has informed TechRadar that the Samsung Galaxy S2 Ice Cream Sandwich update "will be before the end of March, not mid-April". That's more like it!
Update 2: O2 has released the Ice Cream Sandwich update before the end of March, as promised. O2 customers can connect their Galaxy S2 to Kies to download the software now.
Update 3: March 27 - True to its word O2 has released the Ice Cream Sandwich update before the end of March for its Samsung Galaxy S2 users.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is looking to keep Galaxy S2 customers sweet, as it promises to roll out the Ice Cream Sandwich update as soon as possible after the March 19 date.
A T-Mobile spokesperson said: "We're working to make our build available as close to Samsung's release date as possible."
Update: April 12 - A T-Mobile spokesperson has confirmed its Ice Cream Sandwich update is still in the testing phase.
Update: April 22 - T-Mobile finally starts rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich update to its Galaxy S2 customers and wins the award for slowest network.

Orange

Orange has confirmed that it will release the Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy S2 in April, but it has not relvealed when in the month we can expect it.
Update: April 20 - Orange started rolling out the Ice Cream Sandwich update a couple of days before its partner company T-Mobile.
As you've probably guessed, TechRadar has thrown aside its copy of Horse and Hound and poured all its efforts into finding out when the rest of the networks will be dropping the update - when we know, you'll know (after we've spent time writing it up. It's not an automatic process, you know).

Source - techradar.com

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