Samsung: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean coming to Galaxy S3 in October

A Samsung spokesperson has said owners of the Galaxy S3 should expect an update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean this October.

It was during the launch of the Galaxy Note 2 that Samsung last addressed the thorny issue of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S3, saying nothing other than it would arrive “very soon.”

Now, according to CNet UK, a Samsung spokesperson has indicated that the Jelly Bean update will be out in October. No confirmed date was given, but a less-than eight week wait is certainly “very soon” in the land of Android updates.

As with most software updates, it’ll be SIM-free Galaxy S3 owners that will see Android 4.1 first, as networks need to test the software before approving it for use.

That said, Orange and T-Mobile UK may have a head start here, as it will be launching the Galaxy S3 LTE on its new EE 4G network in the coming weeks, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will come pre-installed on the new device.

With approval already given for that model, Jelly Bean for the quad-core 3G version of the phone must only need a glance before it’s ready to send out to eager customers.

CNet’s report doesn’t mention any dates for the Galaxy Note or the Galaxy Note 10.1, both of which Samsung has promised will receive a Jelly Bean update too.

As for US versions of the Galaxy S3, an October release for Jelly Bean may be wishful thinking, but if you’re confident enough, there are custom versions of the software available, including a custom ROM for the Verizon S3 and a leaked official build for the T-Mobile variant.

We know Samsung is hard at work on the Galaxy S3’s update though, as leaks of the software have become more frequent, with SamMobile.com recently posting a build from September 9.

Described as “very much near perfect,” the still pre-release OS is clearly close to being signed off. The site is so confident, it believes Samsung may start the rollout as soon as next week.

While this sounds a little too good to be true, it’s still looking like Samsung won’t disappoint Galaxy S3 owners who’re keen for some Jelly Bean this year. We’re still waiting for its official statement before getting too excited though.