Some Galaxy S8 rumors claimed that Samsung might launch the phone earlier than expected to counter the Galaxy Note 7 losses. Others said that the phone is on track for a regular late February release, just like its predecessors.
A new report doesn’t clear matters up, but it does reveal that Galaxy S8 firmware development has already started at Samsung. But that’s not a sign that the phone is launching anytime soon.
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The Galaxy S8 ROM is currently being developed for China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US. Other countries will follow once the first stable build has been created, SamMobile notes.
This is just a regular schedule for Samsung’s software team. Exactly this time last year, Samsung started the development program for the Galaxy S7. This seems to imply that Samsung isn’t in a hurry to launch the Galaxy S8 — nor should it be, considering what happens when you rush phones to production.
Recent reports said that Samsung would hold its first 2017 Unpacked event on February 26, a day before MWC kicks off in Barcelona.
Samsung’s Galaxy S8 is rumored to arrive in two flavors, including a regular 5.2-inch model and a 5.5-inch “Plus” phablet. The bigger phone is said to have a 4K display for VR purposes and a dual-lens camera on the back just like the iPhone 7 Plus. The device could replace the Galaxy Note 8 next year, which might not even make it to market.
Other notable features of the Galaxy S8 series will be the Viv virtual assistant and a more powerful set of processors that will be built on 10nm process technology.
