Samsung Galaxy S3 owners on Verizon Wireless can rejoice as the U.S. carrier has finally started pushing out the long overdue Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software update for the smartphone.

Verizon confirmed that it will roll out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update from Dec. 14. The over-the-air (OTA) update will be pushed out in phases, which means that most users should have the update in the course of a few days.

Users who want to download the update manually will also be able to do so within next week.

"Samsung Galaxy S® III is the latest Verizon Wireless smartphone to be upgraded to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. The software upgrade, which will be pushed to customers in phases starting Dec. 14, also makes the smartphone Global Ready. Customers who would like to manually download the upgrade through the settings menu will be able to within the next week," stated the Verizon blog post.

With the long-awaited update for the Galaxy S3 finally rolling out, Verizon has joined the ranks of U.S. carriers Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T. The only major U.S. carrier left to roll out the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S3 is U.S. Cellular.

Verizon's Galaxy S3 Jelly Bean update brings several new features like Google Now, smoother UI, improved camera app etc. What's more, the Verizon Jelly Bean software update will make the Galaxy S3 ISIS supported, which means that users will be able to take advantage of the mobile payment service in the regions where the platform is live.

"Additionally, the new software will make the Samsung Galaxy S III the next ISIS-ready smartphone. Austin, Texas, and Salt Lake City are the first cities to take advantage of ISIS and customers in those areas will be able to turn their phones into mobile wallets to make payments wirelessly at various retailers," noted the Verizon blog.

The update is nearly 400MB in size and could take time to download, so users should ensure that the Galaxy S3's battery is fully charged.

For additional download support for the software upgrade, check here.