Android Smartphone makers along with Samsung and HTC are struggling to deliver Android 4.0 due to “differences” in the way that prior Android OS have been configured with customised interfaces.

DigiTimes claims that the Android product differentiation by vendors and telecom carriers has resulted in each organisation creating customised systems and applications so that when it comes to an upgrade each organisation has to undertake extensive reprogramming.

They went on to claim that customisation of Android operating system is a necessary development for the smartphone market, which is experiencing rapid fluctuations in terms of consumer demand and competition.

 Instead of having an operating system that supports only one user interface and standard applications, customised systems can provide more benefits to developers and end users.

DigiTimes Research expects Android-based smartphone shipments will reach 386 million units in 2012, accounting for 57.6% of the market. Apple’s iPhone shipments will reach 121 million units, taking 18.1% of the market, and Windows Phone shipments will reach 40 million units for a 6.2% share.

Last week Samsung announced that the upgrade of the Samsung Galaxy S2 had been delayed.