Samsung is reportedly distributing a software update for its Galaxy S4 smartphone that allows users to install apps to their microSD cards, Digital Spy said.

The South Korean firm was criticised for not enabling the feature at launch following word that pre-loaded software accounts for almost 50% of the memory on 16GB models of the device.

SamMobile claims that the free software update has begun its rollout in Germany via the Kies PC software and over the air, but there is no news on when it will arrive in the UK.

The update also increased the amount of available store on the Galaxy S4 to 9.2GB and brings new features, such as interface refinement, new camera firmware and the option to record high dynamic range video.

Samsung is believed to be working on an alternate version of the Galaxy S4 with the bare-bones Android operating system on board, but it is unknown how much free space this model will offer.

The water and dust-proof Active model was officially announced earlier this week.