Top-tier HTC handsets could receive an Android L update by the end of the year, according to a recently leaked road map, which would probably make them some of the first devices outside of Google's Nexus lineup to run the new firmware.

The map comes courtesy of famed HTC tipster LlabTooFeR over at XDA and shows that a number of HTC devices are being evaluated for an Android L update between October and December. The smartphones that could receive Android L by then include the HTC One M8, One M8 Dual SIM, One Mini 2, One E8, One M7, One M7 Dual SIM, One Max, One Mini, Butterfly S, Desire 816 and the Desire 610. When Android L hits those phones, the download should include a newer version of HTC's Sense user interface as well.

HTC has not officially commented on the dates on the road map, nor has it officially validated LlabTooFeR's claims. LlabTooFeR has a history of being correct, but until HTC comes out with a specific date and statement, everything is speculation.

HTC did come out soon after Android L was shown off to the public for the first time, saying it would deliver Android L to flagship One smartphone users soon after Google released the final code.

"As part of our HTC Advantage commitment globally, we pledge to update all of our HTC One (M8) and HTC One (M7) smartphones within 90 days of receiving final software from Google," reads a company statement from late June.

"At this moment, we are in the Pre-Evaluation Phase, or before we even enter Phase 0, of the software update process. While Google has announced some high level features, they have not yet provided the official software to OEMs or Chipset manufacturers to begin work on release software. The software update timeline will begin once we receive the final software from Google and device updates will vary based on device, region, and carrier."

Android updates can take months to reach users due to the lengthy process of tailoring Google's code, layering user interfaces, bloatware and carrier approval. Google Nexus devices and a few other stock Android phones are always the first ones to run a new Android, so don't bet on that changing.

Android L brings a number of new features that make it one of the most drastic overhauls of the mobile operating system to date.

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