Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II ICS Update: Rumour and Reality
The rumour
An update to Ice Cream Sandwich was reported for the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note on March 10th. Soon after the announcement appeared, it was taken down from Samsung’s site. The author saw it as another case of someone jumping the gun, and a reason not to follow rumours too closely.
What Samsung had said
Months earlier, when the Galaxy Nexus and the new ICS were the talk of the internet, Samsung said both phones would get the update within the first quarter. Taking the company at its word, an official release by the end of March was reasonable to expect.
Carriers could still delay it
For unrooted users the wait was likely to continue. Large Canadian carriers were known for slow OS updates, taking months to add their own apps and customizations. A phone that depends on its carrier might not see ICS until the fall. The author suggested this was one more reason to consider rooting, which carries risks and can void a warranty.
Status today
The update is long released and both phones are obsolete.
Frequently asked questions
Was the March 10th date real?
It turned out to be a rumour, and the announcement was pulled.
What had Samsung promised?
ICS for both phones in the first quarter.
Why might Canadians wait longer?
Carriers often delayed updates by months.