The HTC One Developer Edition will be updated straight to Android 4.3 jelly bean from the current Android 4.1 that it runs. The revelation to this effect has been made by the President for Global Sales at HTC, Mr. Jason Mackenzie. This is unlike the strategy adopted by HTC with the standard HTC One device which was provided with the Android 4.2.2 update and is pending the jump to the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The reason that Mackenzie cited for the above move is that Android 4.3 is closer and that Android 4.2.2 offered limited customer benefits.
However, the HTC executive failed to commit to a firm release date and the best that he could offer is an expected release period before the end of September. Mackenzie has also stated they are looking to upgrade all versions of the HTC One sold in the US to Android 4.3 before September end. Mackenzie though has a word of caution stating the launch dates could change due to unforeseen reasons. Meanwhile, those opting to buy the Verizon version of the HTC flagship smartphone though can consider lucky in that the carrier will be offering the device running Android 4.2.2. All HTC One now on sale in the US via various carriers now run Android 4.2.1.
The HTC One Developer Edition shares the same basic tech layout as the standard smartphone version except that the former comes with an unlocked bootloader along with 64 GB of internal storage. The handset is sold in the US be HTC itself and is available in SIM free state. It is primarily aimed at the developer community who wish to develop custom ROMs for the device. The price though is a hefty $649.99.