Update: Some early pre-order folks are saying their devices are supposed to arrive on the 25th. It might only be newer pre-orders that are going out on the 30th.

If you're planning to pick up Samsung's latest and greatest on AT&T's LTE network the instant it's available, start checking your email for tracking numbers on April 30th. That's when pre-orders for the Galaxy S 4 will begin going out to customers. However, if you didn't pre-order the device, you might actually be able to get it a few days early on April 27th. Take that, early birds!

AT&T's online purchase page for both the white and black 16GB Galaxy S 4 now states the device will ship on April 30th in no uncertain terms. The in-store date comes courtesy of AT&T's official Twitter account. There is no telling how many GS4 units each AT&T store will be allotted, but with such a high-profile phone, I'd assume it's a big number. Probably still safer to pre-order if you don't mind waiting a few extra days. Also, this is only for the 16GB. A 32GB version is expected at a later date.

The Galaxy S 4 is Samsung's attempt to keep its momentum from 2012 going strong in the face of renewed opposition from HTC. The HTC One seems like the best device the company has made in years, and it's earning high praise so far. The Galaxy S 4 is selling for $199 with a 2-year contract on Ma Bell.

[Galaxy S 4 (white), Galaxy S 4 (black), AT&T Twitter]