…the upgrade is only for the unlocked SIM-free model. If you do have a Samsung Galaxy S2 known as the GT-I9100 then Ice Cream Sandwich – Android 4.0 – has finally arrived. You can begin the download and upgrade process by using Samsung Kies, desktop syncing software freely available.
Samsung UK has been working as hard as possible over the last few weeks to get Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) (cont) tl.gd/h0vaf1
— Samsung Mobile UK (@SamsungMobileUK) April 17, 2012
Sadly for clean Android experiences everywhere, there’s another but. BUT… …TouchWiz did not, unfortunately, die. That means a perfectly good Android experience will be intrusively tweaked, ruining aesthetics, widgets and overall feel. It’s a shame really.
@enilkcals The firmware for your device can be installed by using our Samsung KIES software. Available here: samsung.com/uk/kies
— Samsung UK (@samsunguk) April 17, 2012
For those intrepid enough there is a solution.
By rooting your S2, you can install highly rated third party ICS ROMs such as the ones made by Cyanogen. Many have been running ICS on the S2 for months now, and rave about its performance. If you are so inclined I wrote about the process step-by-step: Cheat Sheet: How to install Android Ice Cream Sandwich on the Samsung Galaxy S2. Clint here on Stark Insider followed the instructions with success.
Those that didn’t bite on the first go round, with the S2, might want to mark May 3 on their calendars. Samsung is expected to launch the follow-up – yes, called the S3, wouldn’t you know it.