The highly anticipated Android 5.0 Lollipop update for HTC M7 models has started for owners in the U.S. after a longer than expected delay.

Once HTC's technical approval was received from Google and Sprint earlier in February, the mobile company's users began to receive update notifications Thursday. The models slated for this round of updates include the HTC One M7 and Galaxy S5.

Owners have been eagerly awaiting the update since the first images hit the Internet in January. Flagship Android devices across all major mobile carriers should expect to see firmware updates installed in earnest this month. However, according to leaked documents available on the website Android Police, these plans are noted as being "subject to change".

The frenzy surrounding the update has been building since manufacturers missed the 90-day update window they committed to late last year.

Once that self-imposed deadline passed on February 3rd, users took to comment boards over fear that updates were stalled.

Mo Versi, Senior VP of Marketing at HTC confirmed in tweeted communications with followers, that updates were in fact scheduled for HTC One M7 users beginning with the Sprint network.

 The confirmation encouraged other Android users that their updates could be forthcoming. Versi responded to critics regarding delays. "While we are committed to delivering within this time period, we are even more committed to ensuring these updates result in an even better experience with your device because that is what the updates are intended to do," he said.

According to HTC Corp, the remaining carriers will start receiving updates within the coming weeks with popular Android models such as the LG G3 expected to see updates between February 13th and 16th.

The Android 5.0 Lollipop update brings many exciting changes to handsets; users continue to laud the new interactive notifications and Google's new material design interface.