HTC One Update Release Date: Could Android 4.2.2 Never Arrive? Fat Chance

Could the HTC One never get its fair share of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean goodness?

It wasn't too long ago that HTC One owners' hopes everywhere were raised as an overzealous HTC ambassador to France spread the word that Android 4.2.2 was going to land on the flagship handset in mid-June. As the projected release time frame has come and gone, it's become clear that HTC is taking its time.

Amidst conflicting reports, U.K. carrier Three took to Twitter to reveal that HTC had in fact pulled the HTC One Android 4.2.2 update back for whatever reason. Initially, this led to speculation that HTC might never release Android 4.2.2, and in fact simply wait until Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie can be rolled out ahead of competitors.

"Stepping outside of the box for a minute, I think this firmware release could be passed on if you ask me and if HTC did overlook Android 4.2 that would mean we would be more likely to see an update to Key Lime Pie faster and at least one other update after that," HTC-focused blog HTCSource wrote.

Rest easy though folks. For starters, HTC simply cannot afford to have its flagship smartphone stuck on Android 4.1 while rivals like Samsung and Sony are aggressively pursuing Android 4.2.2. Then you have the fact that Google hasn't even released Android 4.3, much like Android 5.0, which is expected sometime near the end of 2013. Making HTC One owners wait that long would simply drive away too consumers to other brands - a scenario HTC cannot afford as it continues to slide against Samsung.

Luckily, both Engadget and HTCSource have been able to verify, through HTC, that Android 4.2.2 is still coming to the One. The only issue now is when.

If one Australian wireless service provider is correct, then July could be the month when HTC Ones receive Android 4.2.2. Carrier Telstra states that it is still "waiting for initial vendor submission," and that after it receives and tests the update, it will roll out the upgrade publically July 22.

HTC is expected to include a new version of its Sense UI with Android 4.2.2.

What do you think? Given that rival smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z are running Android 4.2.2, how long can HTC afford to hold out?