Apple’s iOS 26 Achieves Rapid Adoption Across iPhone and iPad Devices
Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 26, has seen swift adoption among users, with 74% of iPhones released in the past four years now running the update. This data, measured by devices that transacted on the App Store as of February 12, 2026, highlights the rapid uptake of iOS 26 since its launch on September 15, 2025.
iOS 26 Adoption Rates
For iPhones introduced in the last four years, the adoption rates are as follows:
– iOS 26: 74%
– iOS 18: 20%
– Earlier versions: 6%
When considering all active iPhones, the distribution is:
– iOS 26: 66%
– iOS 18: 24%
– Earlier versions: 10%
These figures indicate that a significant majority of users with newer iPhone models have updated to iOS 26 within five months of its release. However, a notable portion of older devices continues to operate on previous versions, contributing to the overall adoption rate.
Comparison with Previous iOS Versions
To provide context, iOS 18 reached a 76% adoption rate on recent devices after 127 days, while iOS 17 achieved the same percentage after 139 days. In comparison, iOS 26 stands at 74% after 150 days. Although slightly lower, this still reflects strong update momentum.
Across all devices, the adoption rates at similar stages were:
– iOS 18: 68%
– iOS 17: 66%
With iOS 26 now at 66% of all iPhones, the update tracks closely with iOS 17 and slightly below iOS 18 at the same point in time.
iPadOS 26 Adoption
Apple also shared figures for iPadOS 26, indicating solid adoption rates, though slightly lower than those for iPhone.
For iPads introduced in the last four years:
– iPadOS 26: 66%
– iPadOS 18: 28%
– Earlier versions: 6%
Across all active iPads:
– iPadOS 26: 57%
– iPadOS 18: 26%
– Earlier versions: 17%
For comparison, iPadOS 18 reached 63% on recent devices at a similar point in its release cycle, while iPadOS 17 stood at 61% under the same conditions.
Factors Influencing Adoption Rates
Several factors contribute to the adoption rates of iOS 26:
1. Device Compatibility: iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and later models, excluding older devices like the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. This limitation affects the overall adoption rate, as users with unsupported devices cannot upgrade to the latest OS.
2. Feature Limitations on Older Devices: Even among compatible devices, some features of iOS 26 are restricted to newer models. For instance, advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities require the A17 Pro chipset or newer, limiting access for users with older hardware.
3. Security Concerns: Apple has addressed critical security vulnerabilities in iOS 26.2, urging users to update their devices to protect against sophisticated web attacks targeting older iOS versions. This emphasis on security may encourage users to adopt the latest update promptly.
4. User Experience Enhancements: The introduction of the Liquid Glass redesign and expanded Apple Intelligence features in iOS 26 offers a more fluid and intuitive user experience, motivating users to upgrade.
Conclusion
The rapid adoption of iOS 26 underscores Apple’s ability to encourage users to embrace new software updates swiftly. While the adoption rate is slightly lower than previous versions, it remains robust, reflecting users’ trust in Apple’s ecosystem and the appeal of new features and security enhancements.
