Samsung has promised that many of its new smartphone features, which will make their debut on the Galaxy S4 next month, will be coming to its predecessor, the Galaxy S III. “Anything that we can do that’s not dependent on hardware like infrared, we’ll definitely bring to all the flagship devices,” said the company’s vice president of portfolio planning, Nick DiCarlo.

The Galaxy S4 is very much like its predecessor, only bigger, faster, and “stronger,” according to Samsung. There are a number of improvements under the hood, including the introduction of Samsung’s eight-core Exynos 5 Octa processor, and a new 13-megapixel camera.

But if you’re not too worried about specifications, and you’re completely happy with what your Galaxy S III already brings you, then there may be no reason for you to upgrade. Most of the features the Galaxy S4 boasts will be coming to your device in future software updates, according to DiCarlo, who was interviewed by PCMag.

Those features should include the new Smart Scroll and Smart Pause technology, and the new camera features, which DiCarlo feels are a highlight of the Galaxy S4. Things like WatchNow, however, which allow you to control your TV from your smartphone, won’t move over, because the Galaxy S III’s hardware won’t allow it (there’s no infrared transmitter).

It’s unclear when these features will come to the Galaxy S III, unfortunately. Samsung may have already started work on the update, so you may not have to wait too long for it. As soon as we hear anything from Samsung, we’ll be sure to let you know.

• SourcePCMag