HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Rumored

Over the past few months we’ve seen the HTC One M8 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update arrive for most users in the United States and around the globe, but now the missing HTC One M8 Android 4.4.4 KitKat update rumors are starting to swirl.

June was an extremely busy month for Google, who released three versions of Android. An update from Android 4.4.2 to 4.4.3, then a few weeks later to Android 4.4.4 which fixed a few problems and security concerns. Then at Google I/O they revealed Android L, which will be coming this fall as Android 4.5 or 5.0.

Read: iPhone 6 vs HTC One M8: What Buyers Need to Know

Most manufacturers have been busy pushing Android 4.4.4 KitKat to devices, but instead HTC opted to add some of those improvements to Android 4.4.3, with no word on an update to 4.4.4 KitKat. However, it looks like they’re changing stances on that move.

Earlier this year HTC chose not to update to the latest version of Android for its flagship smartphone which was running Android 4.4.2 KitKat, and instead added all the important security patches introduced with Android 4.4.4 to an update they were already working on, which was Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

Obviously starting over on software upgrade plans is something no manufacturer wants to do, and the quick release of both updates in June caused issues and delays with Samsung, HTC of course, and even Motorola. With Samsung currently pushing Android 4.4.4 KitKat to an array of devices, and all of Motorola’s latest phones on 4.4.4, HTC may be changing their minds on the update.

It appeared HTC would simply update to Android 4.4.3 with 4.4.4’s security fixes, then wait for the Android L release to arrive, however new reports this week suggest otherwise.

Popular HTC developer @LlabTooFer posted to Twitter confirming the HTC One M8 will indeed receive Android 4.4.4 KitKat, and that it could arrive in the next 1-2 weeks. A major surprise for owners everywhere.

Some good news for HTC One M8 users. HTC changed their plans and in coming 1-2 weeks will release new ROM based on Android 4.4.4.

— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) September 25, 2014

Many assumed no updates would arrive until Android L, but for whatever reason HTC changed their plans and instead will be delivering this software update rather quick. Now this doesn’t mean all US carriers will push it out right away, but it’s certainly a good sign that an update is coming soon.

The same thread on Twitter he reveals other key details owners will likely want to know about. Essentially confirming the Android 4.5 or 5.0 “L release” is coming to the HTC One M8, but doesn’t give a release date.

Read: Android L Release Date Rumored

Then, for those with the original, he states the HTC One (2013) will not receive Android 4.4.4 KitKat, and instead a few minor patches, but that’s all he said on the matter. Most likely both the new HTC One M8, and the original from 2013 will be updated to Android L when it arrives later this year.

It has been rumored that Google will unveil its next release and update to the Android OS in October, and release it in November. Meaning that before the end of the year HTC One and One M8 owners could be looking at a new Android L upgrade on their phones, or one coming in the near future.

For now it looks like owners can expect another update in the near future which will deliver Android 4.4.4 KitKat to the HTC One M8, and we’ll report back with more details once it starts rolling out.