Apple’s iOS 26 Adoption Rates: A Detailed Analysis
Apple has recently disclosed the adoption statistics for iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, providing insight into the prevalence of these operating systems among users. The data, collected from devices that accessed the App Store on February 12, 2026, reveals the following:
– 74% of iPhones introduced in the last four years are running iOS 26.
– 66% of all iPhones are operating on iOS 26.
– 66% of iPads introduced in the last four years have adopted iPadOS 26.
– 57% of all iPads are utilizing iPadOS 26.
When compared to the adoption rates of iOS 18, which were reported on January 21, 2025, the figures are as follows:
– 76% of iPhones introduced in the last four years were running iOS 18.
– 68% of all iPhones had adopted iOS 18.
– 63% of iPads introduced in the last four years were on iPadOS 18.
– 53% of all iPads were operating on iPadOS 18.
At first glance, the adoption rates of iOS 26 and iOS 18 appear similar. However, it’s important to note that the iOS 26 statistics were released later than usual, which may influence direct comparisons.
In the initial months following its release, iOS 26 experienced a slower adoption rate compared to its predecessors. Data from StatCounter in January 2026 indicated that only about 15-16% of active iPhones worldwide were running any version of iOS 26. This was a significant decline from the adoption rates of previous versions during similar timeframes. For instance, in January 2025, over 60% of iPhones were running some version of iOS 18 approximately four months after its release. Similarly, iOS 17 had reached around 54% adoption by January 2024.
Several factors may have contributed to the initial hesitation among users to upgrade to iOS 26. The introduction of the Liquid Glass design language, while innovative, received mixed reviews. Some users found the new design less intuitive, leading to reluctance in updating their devices. Additionally, concerns about potential battery life reduction and software stability issues may have deterred users from making the switch.
Despite the slow start, the adoption rate of iOS 26 has shown improvement over time. By late January 2026, adoption had reached approximately 50%, according to StatCounter. This upward trend suggests that as Apple addressed initial concerns and released updates to enhance performance and stability, more users felt confident in upgrading to the latest operating system.
It’s also worth noting that different data collection methodologies can yield varying adoption statistics. For example, while StatCounter’s data indicated a slower adoption rate, other analytics platforms like TelemetryDeck reported higher adoption figures, with around 60% of users on the latest software. These discrepancies highlight the challenges in accurately measuring software adoption across diverse user bases.
In conclusion, while iOS 26’s adoption initially lagged behind its predecessors, recent data indicates a positive trend in user upgrades. Apple’s ongoing efforts to refine the operating system and address user feedback are likely contributing factors to this gradual increase in adoption rates.
