Galaxy S5 handsets across Europe are getting Lollipop updates today

Android 5.0 running on the Galaxy S5. Video: SamMobile

Android 5.0 running on the Galaxy S5. Video: SamMobile

Samsung may have failed to deliver its Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the Galaxy S5 before Christmas for the vast majority of users, but millions across Europe will see it before the New Year. The update is currently rolling out over-the-air in Spain following its initial debut in Poland earlier this month, while other European countries can expect to see it soon.

A staggered rollout like this one is typical of Samsung updates; the South Korean company likes to be sure its software is completely stable before making it available to all, so it tends to release it to a small number of markets at a time. Poland has now been enjoying Lollipop for the Galaxy S5 for several weeks, and according to SamMobile, SM-G900F handsets in Spain are getting it today.

“Over the next couple of weeks, it should start making its way to more countries in Europe and to other continents as well, after which Samsung will hopefully turn its attention to the Galaxy Note 4 and other devices,” SamMobile says.

In addition to new features like multi-user support, lock screen notifications, and Smart Lock, Lollipop brings significant performance and battery life improvements, thanks mostly to Google’s decision to switch to the ART runtime. And although Galaxy S5 users have Samsung’s own TouchWiz user interface, they’ll also get a taste of Material Design in certain places.