iOS 18 Takes the Lead: The Number of iPhones That Have Upgraded So Far
Apple deserves commendation for its swift adoption rates of new operating system updates. Following the release of iOS 18 in 2024, the company has shared impressive metrics on its uptake among iPhones and iPads, including those running iPadOS 18. Current statistics indicate that a remarkable 88% of iPhones launched in the last four years are now operating on iOS 18. When considering all iPhones, the adoption rate stands at 82%, which is quite impressive in the tech landscape.
Additionally, 9% of devices are still utilizing iOS 17, which is a common occurrence. Notably, the rates are lower for iPads; 81% of iPads from the past four years are using iPadOS 18, with the overall figure dropping to 71%. This slight discrepancy may be attributed to iPad users who may not prioritize updates as much as iPhone users, often using their tablets for more basic functions like browsing or streaming. As anticipation builds for Apple’s next major updates, rumors suggest a shift in naming conventions.
Rather than following the traditional sequential naming, future iOS versions may simply be titled by year, hinting at the possibility of iOS and iPadOS 26. In contrast, the adoption rates for Android seem less impressive. As of April, it was reported that Android 15 has been installed on only about 4.5% of devices. The most commonly used version, Android 14, is on 27.4% of devices.
This slow uptake can be attributed to the varied rollout processes followed by different manufacturers. However, Google is making strides to streamline the release schedule for Android updates, aiming for mid-year releases to boost adoption rates in the future.
