Source: Samsung

New information leaks out regarding the alleged Android 4.3 Jelly Bean for Samsung Galaxy S3 supporting the earlier firmware seen on the device. Is the official Galaxy S3 firmware coming very soon?

Early Leaked Android 4.3 Firmware

Temefy revealed that Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version is compatible with hardware components on Galaxy S3 based on a leaked image. The Samsung Galaxy S3 used is running Android 4.3 with baseband version I9300XXUBMHI and its kernel was dated in August 21, 2013.

However, no one can confirm or authenticate if the image is real or just hoaxed to spread news of Android 4.3 firmware development for Galaxy S3. Samsung remains quiet about the anxious comments of Galaxy S3 owners on the next official firmware update.

Australian and German Network Carriers

Australian network carrier, Telstra, somehow confirmed the Android 4.3 update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 based on their post online.

"Samsung have elected globally to skip the Android 4.2.2 update for this device and will instead go to a newer version of Android. No schedule has been provided for this update."

In Germany, Deutsche Telekom supported the rumour of Android 4.3 update for Samsung Galaxy which will skip Android 4.2.2 according to PhonesReview. A user was communicating with the carrier via the official Telekom forum and a support worker confirmed the model number GT-I9300 variant of Galaxy S3 going straight to Android 4.3.

Unfortunately, both network carriers did not reveal any specific dates or time frame when will it be pushed.

Samsung's Possible Approach

Sony already decided to release Android 4.3 to several Xperia devices instead of pushing out Android 4.2.2 to save time and effort. Samsung may be considering the same point of view with their Galaxy line.

Considering the nature of Android 4.3 which features new additions to the Jelly Bean version, it won't be very difficult for Galaxy S3 to handle since the device already runs Android 4.1.2. The possible crisis is the updated TouchWiz UI on the Android 4.2.2 is rumoured incompatible with the Galaxy S3 hardware components.

Since Samsung is not yet commenting, the company is probably working hard to fix the issue first before pushing the update to owners.

Custom ROM Developers

Meanwhile, AOKP/RootzWiki team is working extensively on releasing a new working build based on the latest AOSP Android 4.3 Jelly Bean according to AndroidGS. The two different test build are currently available for Verizon variants of Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2.

Custom ROM developers releasing Android 4.3 firmware for several variants of Galaxy S3 is a direct evidence that the smartphone can run the Android version without crisis. But these custom ROMs do not feature TouchWiz which is the main issue according to rumours.

If worst case scenario comes, owners of both Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 may rely on customised ROM to get the latest Android releases and features.

Pressure of the Upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat

Google finally exposed the upcoming Android 4.4. KitKat OS and it is bigger than Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Samsung could be pressured by two OS update in 2013 which may lead into two possible outcomes:

1. Deny Android 4.2.2 and Android 4.3 to push Android 4.4 if possible on Galaxy S3 hardware components - lucky for owners.

2. Update the device with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean but push Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S4 - forcing owners of S3 to purchase S4 in the future for upgraded features.