Yesterday S2 owners were delighted by news from Samsung that the Galaxy S2 would be getting its Ice Cream Sandwich update on Saturday 10 March. But now it looks as though the Korean tech giant has gone back on its word, claiming that the original post was wrong and leaving S2 owners in the dark.
A post on Samsung's official website -- that's since been deleted -- read, "Starting March 10, 2012, you may upgrade your Samsung Galaxy S2 to Android Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) thru KIES 2.0," Engadget reported.
But a little over an hour ago, Samsung tweeted from its Samsung Electronics account that the 10 March date was a mistake.
The tweet was in Korean, but through the fog of Google translate I can discern that Samsung says the original 10 March post was incorrect.
Frustrating news for S2 owners who've been holding out for an upgrade to the latest version of Android, which brings features like Face Unlock, a revamped glowing-blue interface, and a slick new multi-tasking system.
A post on Samsung Israel's Facebook page last week claimed that the S2 would arrive on 15 March, though that post too has since been deleted.
Samsung UK, meanwhile, continues to tweet to those who ask that Ice Cream Sandwich will be available for selected Galaxy devices in the first quarter of this year (and has directed several folks to an Australian Football League news site, presumably by accident), which means it should be out by the end of March.
I wish Samsung's communication was more clear. Other manufacturers are proving equally sketchy when it comes to giving time estimates for updates, and I think that inconsistency is harming Android.
Are you desperate for a scoop of Ice Cream Sandwich, or are you satisfied by sweet, sweet Gingerbread for now? Tell me in the comments, or over on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
24 month contract
24 month contract
Comments 54
Add your comment
anonymous 9 March, 2012 10:08
Wouldn't say it's hurting Android but it's not helping it any...
anonymous 9 March, 2012 10:37
waiting for the ICS update since ages !
anonymous 9 March, 2012 11:01
HTC Sensation XE ICS update is out NOW! I never though HTC would be the first to update and its running Sense 3.6.
anonymous 9 March, 2012 11:20
htc sensation xe ics update out now?? I just tried and nothing, (UK)
anonymous 9 March, 2012 11:53
For all the apple haters, this is certainly something they have over Android, as apple control the hardware they can roll out updates to everyone at once, android has to be tested and approved on each piece of hardware and so the manufacturers end up sketchy as to when it will launch.
anonymous 9 March, 2012 13:02
Apple does indeed have an advantage, but how many devices does it have in comparison to Android? Despite having full control, I've had more than my fair share of problems updating my iPhone or iPod touch - and many others have too. At least Apple has the power over operators to pretty much bypass the usual operator testing, or it would be far worse. No other manufacturer can give a handset to a network just 1-2 weeks before it goes on sale, nor am I aware of any operator ever rejecting a new device or update. Microsoft has even found itself forced to let networks approve updates now, after the initial plan was (and pretty much did happen) to give Windows Phone 7.5 to everyone almost at the same time.
anonymous 9 March, 2012 13:07
Shocking customer service i swapped from apple becsuse of this type of messing about, give a date how hard can it be?!
anonymous 9 March, 2012 14:03
I've upgraded my iphone 3gs to a Samsung Galaxy S2 and i havent looked back, I love it. I would like to get ICS but the phone as it is on gingerbread is still an awesome piece of kit. People should buy phones for what they do, not what it will do in the future.
There are hundreds of different devices running android its a wonder that you can have one software running all those machine in the first place.
Howard10000 9 March, 2012 14:36
Yes, I can recommend Apple.
The latest iOS update for my IPad which promised improved battery life and perfromance but makes both radically worse is such a great example for all oher manufacturers.
It astonishes me that they get away with it and amazes me that pro-Apple journos just don't mention it.
Don't complain about Android; at least they don't breadk things with updates.
anonymous 9 March, 2012 15:16
Luke, I'm excitedly awaiting your next article on how the iPad 3 surpasses PS3 and Xbox 360 for gaming :-)
Abdul 'Munim' Aakhir 9 March, 2012 16:36
Hmmmm a bit disappointing.... hopefully samsung sort it out by the end of the month...
olivierm 9 March, 2012 18:27
I was going to say that I agree it's detrimental to Android but I think it is only tech enthusiasts to whom it makes a difference. Most people don't even know that some phones do get upgraded whilst some others don't ....
Google and the HTC and Samsungs could get a much bigger bang for the PR buck of new Android version with a bit of coordination. After all, that's how microsoft has always handled OS launches.
But Android is such a success, I suspect there is a bit of complacency around this upgrades...
anonymous 9 March, 2012 18:48
come on Samsung, get your act together, we've been waiting far too long now love my S2 but my version of Gingerbread (2.3.4) seems to be having one or two minor niggles that are staerting to snowball into a biggie. i need this soon, so what do you say samsung eh, be nice to us S2 users. please
Jordan Stuart Dunn 9 March, 2012 19:30
Well things like this are putting me off android more and more, i can't wait to get my new phone in a few weeks and get off an operating system, that in my opinion is nothing but a shambles. Will never touch an android phone after this.
anonymous 9 March, 2012 20:54
I think one thing that gets overlooked is ... my 2.3.6 Gingerbread Galaxy S 2 ...
IS THE BEST PHONE I'VE EVER OWNED ALREADY!!!
I'll wait patiently while using my already awesome phone...
anonymous 9 March, 2012 23:02
Been running ICS on my galaxy S2 for ages now...
anonymous 9 March, 2012 23:34
What all the commentators seem to have overlooked is that this showed up on Samsung Philippines news page, not their main site. Like the Israeli one, looks like another regional office jumping the gun
anonymous 10 March, 2012 00:13
Frrankly you would need to have very little going on in your life to actually care.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 01:26
How could Samsung have allowed themselves to be upstaged by HTC in the ICS upgrade war. Too bad fellas, and we thought the Samsung folks would never allow this to happen. Viva HTC.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 02:08
Apple is light years ahead of android/google when it comes to upgrading software and controlling it tightly to ensure quality and upgrade to all phone owners. Google folks watch out !
anonymous 10 March, 2012 05:21
I think they dont have technicals to get the rom done they are waiting for xda or other genuies site to get a bug free rom that they can give out as there own.Throwing new phones in market will increase sale a bit but will fall like shooting star like nokia sale did be alert...............................when people get angry they react making kings just .........dust.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 05:24
Its been 67 years we have been waiting for the ICS.........and now you are saying its gonna take 23 years more.....WTF???
anonymous 10 March, 2012 05:39
March 15 is the correct date!
anonymous 10 March, 2012 05:41
Who is the moron who said Apple is better at quality control.
Apples business model toward its customers is communist while good is democratic!
anonymous 10 March, 2012 07:01
If you really want to try out ICS on the s2 without waiting for samsung go try Cyanogen 9.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 07:01
If you really want to try out ICS on the s2 without waiting for samsung go try Cyanogen 9.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 07:22
That's why im sticking with apple galaxy 2 great hardware less than par software iPhone 4s good phone reliable software that's why apple wins galaxy 2 kills iPhone 4s but it's the os that makes the iPhone better the overall experience !
zephyrx 10 March, 2012 08:19
I think we're in danger of getting rather hysterical about this. I very much disagree with Luke Westaway's conclusion that these issues are 'killing' Android. That's overwrought hyperbole. The average punter buys a phone on the basis of whether they like what they see in the shop on the day, or if they like what a friend has. They really don't care about software updates, and in the vast majority of cases aren't even aware of them till they appear on their phone. In fact, I'd say most people view them as a nuisance. Speaking to a lot of my friends, who I would rate very much as the 'average' phone user, when I told them an update was on its way to their phones, the general reaction was 'not another one! Will this mean I have to learn how to use my phone yet again?' I think it underlines how it's only really tech obsessives and journalists who are payed to fill column inches who seemingly fret about these things. For all of these people who seem to be in floods of tears because an update is delayed - if your phone is so rubbish without the update, why did you buy it to start with?
anonymous 10 March, 2012 09:07
I'm probably switching to Mango, been waiting to see what ICS was like before switching. I've been fed up with how horrible android looks and feels in its native apps. I shouldn't HAVE to use 3rd party apps for contacts, phone or SMS but the vanilla gingerbread apps just fall short. I've been waiting for ICS for long enough and fear that the wait is just getting longer and longer... i don't want touch wiz or any other gumpf I just want vanilla ICS... let me choose my own home launcher.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 09:13
those of you that are locked to the orange network in the UK can wait another two months or so after the update has been released by HTC, as Orange UK have to do their own testing (I guess they install their own software on it).
anonymous 10 March, 2012 10:31
What is samsungs twitter acount
anonymous 10 March, 2012 12:36
Well this is weird, because Ive just updated my kies to 2.0 and an update is available for my Galaxy note (isnt this and the S2 pretty much identical?). Its updating as I type - will let you know how I get on.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 12:42
im also updating my Galaxy note as i type?
anonymous 10 March, 2012 12:43
I want the ICS uppdate, but in the meantime am more than happy with my Galaxy S2. People quickly forget (or don't know?) about the recent messes made in Apple upgrades which meant a frustrating experience for many without their phones operational for several days and some even losing their data altogether! Plus try accessing any site using flash (and there are stil lots)on an iphone - good luck with that! Oh - and applications at greater cost from Apple than comparable s/ware for android - I don't think I'll be "converting" to Apple somehow...
anonymous 10 March, 2012 12:52
Well Its attempted an update of the Galaxy note but im getting unzip errors in Kies, come on Samsung sort it out :(
. Will try again now.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 13:07
bad news im afraid, the update is not ICS.its an update for Gingerbread 2.3.6
anonymous 10 March, 2012 13:45
I'm afraid that both Android and Apple have their issues with updates - more so with Android because of the plethora of devices.
The ICS update for the Asus Transformer Prime was an appalling fiasco and has finally driven me to get an ipad.
I've tried ICS and think its great but have to say my S2 is pretty damn good with Gingerbread. Please just be honest with us customers and keep us updated with true and reliable information.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 18:29
I think people forget it's incredibly hard to put a date on release for this kind of software. Just shows how ignorant some people are and that includes Luke Westaway.
anonymous 10 March, 2012 19:27
craap. Samsung playing with their customers,.. are we fools? they disappointed us many times.. feeling to throw away from samsung and go for iphone or HTC..
they dont want to give ICS for S2 users.. lets see last date as march 15th.. otherwise lets boycot ICS :D
Good bye Samsung,..
anonymous 11 March, 2012 06:49
I don't see what all the fuss is about to be quite honest... I'm runnung Gingerbread 2.3.5 on my Galaxy S2 and it is Awesome!
The phone does everything I want it to do, including watching BBC streams (in the UK) and football streaming sites... The question I have is; Will ICS enable me to keep doing this if Flash is not supported? If there is going to be a problem, then I will stick with Gingerbread, which serves me well.
anonymous 11 March, 2012 06:52
For the life of me, I can't see what the real advantages are with ICS. I've read article after article and the improvements appear superficial. Gingerbread appears to be very stable on the current Samsung Galaxy S2 range of phones. I will receive the new S2 HD E120s (high def screen, 1.5Mhz procesor) tomorrow and I'm planning on waiting for a few weeks before updating to ICS. The first to upgrade are the crash-test dummies (no offence intended). Despite beta testing and sample-based releases, there's nothing like a pack of 5 million or so users going to the n'th degree on every single facet of the system to realise the bugs.
gridlerbing 11 March, 2012 12:09
It's not the timescale of the update that annoys me but I can't believe that Samsung who are now working with Google/Android are behind HTC how does that work?. I know it takes time to tweak for different models and networks but how come HTC can manage it surely Samsung would have access earlier. :-\
Matteo Paparoni 11 March, 2012 16:28
I still have to wait for 2 months for Sony (Ericsson) to update my Xperia Neo, at least they are updating them rather than just abandoning the phones!
anonymous 11 March, 2012 18:04
come on people - why are you so insanely needy to upgrade perfection? All this agitation just makes Apple opportunist trolls smell blood, and pontificate along with journos &co about how Android's a shambles without having a clue how content we normal consumers are and just don't need to kvetch. Anyway ICS can't do Flash... which we'll need for some time to come ;)
anonymous 12 March, 2012 10:17
I just want ICS to find out if i'll be able to get on my work network, past the proxy. Android is loosing out because its not 'corperate' enough. I need to access the net without wiping my mobile
anonymous 12 March, 2012 13:34
For people complaining about updates.... Gingerbread is not a lag at all.
And if you wana move to apple plz do... lol
Apple ios doesnt have to roll out updates for different companies, just for their own
products which all have pretty much similar hardware and thats that.
It doesnt get operator tested and you end up with what happened a few months back.
Phones ending up bricked, or having issues that just hamper the performance of the phone.
Heres my take on it, if ICS is being delayed, fine be it that way.
But it better be bug free and a pretty damn good tested rom so that ones who update
are not guinea pigs
Stuart Miller 12 March, 2012 13:37
Lots of moaning about nothing really. This "wanna have the latest thing" is for it's own sakes really. Samsung are not obliged to update phones so just be glad it's happening at all. Also, it's not as if ICS is going to give you amazing new functionality that you can't live without.
As long as it happens and it's stable when it does - why get excited about rumours and let down when they turn out to be true?
anonymous 12 March, 2012 20:47
Here we go again SK telecom hss tweetef that ICS will be out on the 13th March. See what happen !!!!
anonymous 13 March, 2012 06:34
Good, very good!
Roll on Windows 8, Tango, Mango and the Win8 tabs / slates.
There will be no contest.
anonymous 13 March, 2012 08:45
many of my friends have decided to move to apple as their update is quick and available to all versions of iPhone...like ICS....they make you wait for long or you have an option to but the nexus galaxy which has ICS by default......i think i'll move to apple nw.
Samsung i bet you will be losing more people moving to apple after officially announcing ICS update on 10 march and you backed off.
anonymous 14 March, 2012 13:00
ok clearly if u proicrap guys have half a brain you will know that the suspicions are true & that apple update all their old units with firmware that makes their new equipment look better & almost forcing the sale on the customer, cheeky ********.... its a dirty trick and they should lose all them billions for trying it... all my friends that have had any device from apple in the past can confirm this which is shocking tbh.. ive managed to convert them all to androids since and given the scale of units with android they all have phones/tabs to suit them now & not apple...
as for the s2 ics update, its not needed but could improve the s2 vastly
anonymous 20 March, 2012 12:38
I have the update
anonymous 25 March, 2012 12:24
@anonymous 14 March, 2012 13:00:
Its not just apple... a lot of companies used to give updates for all their devices, and realized they were getting bad press due to idiots updating their ancient under powered devices, and blaming the company, not the the devices... that is why samsung G S 1 gets no update, also a BIG reason why orange etc, want to tweak their ICS first, to make sure you have the best 'experience'... :)
anonymous 5 June, 2012 21:35
still having this unzip error in Australia in may, has this been resolved? why would they allow this error to propagate thru the world releases?