The Samsung Galaxy S4 is now getting the long-awaited update to Android 4.4 KitKat on Sprint's network, as the carrier has started rolling out the OTA.

Just recently some reports suggested that Sprint's version of the Samsung Galaxy S4 was in for a treat soon, and it now turns out those reports were accurate. The handset is now getting the very latest version of Android, which comes with build number JDQ39.L720VPUFNAE.

The Galaxy S4 is Samsung's flagship smartphone of 2013 and is one of the most powerful handsets currently available on the market. It boasts high-end specs and features and some neat Samsung-exclusive functionality, but users were eagerly waiting for the tasty KitKat treat.

While Samsung is widely expected to take the wraps off its next-generation Galaxy S5 soon, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is still widely popular and it will be even more attractive with Android 4.4 KitKat on board.

The new OS version will bring several changes and improvements to the table, as well as the usual bug fixes. For instance, Galaxy S4 users will no longer receive the dreaded "Prevention Information" alert after the update.

"Prevention Information - An application has been forced to stop for an unauthorized attempt to access system on your device. It may be safe to delete an application obtained from an unauthorized route. Check now?" read the alert, but it will no longer be the case with KitKat. Sleep mode issues will also be resolved.

The new update also adds Zact Mobile, Galaxy Gear, and Samsung KNOX compatibility, as well as SMS and S-Health enhancements. 

Sprint has confirmed that it is now rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Samsung Galaxy S4 over the air (OTA), which means that it may take a few days to reach all devices. If you have already received the update notification, all you have to do is follow the on-screen instruction to get the latest version of Android.

If you have yet to receive the notification, you can always manually check for the update by going into Settings > More > About phone. If there's still no update ready for your device, just have a little patience - it's on its way.

As welcome as this news is, however, there's one thought that likely lingers in many users' minds: will it be as buggy as the Android 4.3 update for the handset? Owners of the Galaxy S4 or Galaxy S3 who updated to the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version have experienced lots of issues after the upgrade, as it seemed to bring more problems than benefits. Hopefully that's not the case with the Android 4.4 KitKat update, but drop by our comment section below and let us know how it fares as soon as you get it.