Samsung fans who have been eagerly awaiting the release date of the next-generation Galaxy S4 smartphone can whoop with glee as the launch date is sooner than you think. If a new report is to be believed, Samsung will launch the Galaxy S4 on March 15 and the device will hit the shelves in mid-April.

Per a SamMobile report, a "trusted insider" has disclosed that the Galaxy S4 will be announced at a special Samsung Unpacked event. However, at this time the location of the event is "top secret."

"We have some hot news for all those happy Samsung Galaxy owners. Samsung is going to announce the Galaxy S IV on March 15th. The biggest Android smartphone unpacked event is still not confirmed by Samsung self, but our trusted insider confirmed it to SamMobile," noted the site.

The report also reveals that the Galaxy S4 or GT-I9500 will go on sale from the second week of April, and Samsung is expected to send out the event invites immediately after the MWC 2013 concludes in February.

The April release date seems to back up a recently leaked in-house contest memo by a New Zealand company, which revealed that its contest would have the Galaxy S4 as the prize for winners.

Additionally, per the SamMobile report, the Galaxy S4 will hit "eastern countries from Europe" first, with Asia and all of Europe getting the smartphone by April end. The U.S., Australia, and Africa will follow suit around May/June. However, a specific release date is currently not known for any of the regions.

Furthermore, accessories for the Galaxy S4 like clear cover, flip cover, protective cover, pouch extra battery kit, a wireless charging kit, HDTV adapter, and headset are set to release around "week 15" i.e. between April 8 to April 14. This time frame suggests that the smartphone may release in early April instead.

The 4.99-inch Galaxy S4 is expected to be available in both black and white color options upon release.

With the Ides of March not far away, Samsung fans, make sure you mark the date on your calendar!