It has been reported that Samsung plans to update its number of devices to the Android 6.0 in at least three stages, with recent releases like the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ getting the new platform first. However, some of the older iterations still considered current are absent from the planned release.
One of the iterations that were not approved for an Android 6.0 update is the Galaxy S4.
Since the Android platform was said to be an open-source platform, this doesn't mean that Galaxy S4 owners will stay stuck with Android Lollipop. The more tech-savvy users can install Android Marshmallow manually.
According to a post on NeuroGadget, some senior members of Android community XDA Developers came up with a Galaxy S4-compatible Android 6.0 Marshmallow build. However, the build is not the OTA one from Samsung but based on a CyanogenMod CM13 custom ROM. In addition, the build is only compatible with the Galaxy S4 devices with model number GT-I9505.
Aside from the specific model number, there are other requirements laid out in order for Android Marshmallow to work on the Galaxy S4.
The unit to be updated must already be rooted and have the latest ClockworkMod recovery app installed, as well as at least 80 percent battery power prior to the updating process. In addition, the user must first check out that all Galaxy S4 drivers are installed on the computer that would be used for the update process.
Meanwhile, as with any other upgrade or tech processes involving data, users must also make a backup of the data such as information and apps installed before attempting to upgrade the device. Lastly, the upgrading of the device should only be attempted by those who are familiar with Android environment, or those who successfully updated their devices manually before, as an error in the update process can brick the phone.
