The adoption of iOS 26 continues at a pace well below expectations among iPhone users. Dados of web traffic analyzes show that only about 15% to 16% of the world’s active devices run some version of the new operating system. The period covers almost four months since the official launch in September 2025.
The internal distribution reveals iOS 26.1 with approximately 10.6% of devices. Version 26.2 appears at around 4.6%, while the initial edition 26.0 is around 1.1%. Enquanto that, more than 60% of iPhones remain on iOS 18, with emphasis on updates 18.7 and 18.6, which concentrate most of this volume.
Comparison with previous versions
Past versions of iOS showed much faster adoption curves in the same time frame. In January 2025, around 63% of iPhones were already running some edition of iOS 18. In the same month of 2024, iOS 17 reached approximately 54%. Já iOS 16 exceeded 60% in January 2023.
These numbers indicate that iOS 26 advances at less than a quarter of the speed recorded by recent generations. The difference draws attention especially because Apple tends to record high update rates on its systems.
Factors influencing resistance
The visual redesign with Liquid Glass represents the main change introduced in iOS 26. The new translucent material applies blurred layers, depth effects and dynamic reflections to system elements, such as controls, navigation bars and notifications.
Reception to the redesign has divided opinions since its announcement at WWDC 2025. Alguns users criticized the readability in certain lighting conditions and the feeling of visual overload. Apple has released tweaks in point updates to reduce opacity and allow for customization.
Extended support for the previous system
Apple maintains security updates for iOS 18 even after the release of the successor. Essa policy reduces the urgency to migrate, as devices remain protected against known vulnerabilities without the need to switch major versions.
Many users choose to stay on iOS 18, which is considered mature and stable after several refinements. The absence of immediate pressure to update contributes to the maintenance of the previous system on a large scale.
Data from alternative sources shows variation
Other analysis tools point to different numbers for the adoption of iOS 26. Plataformas based on direct data from applications indicate rates close to 55% to 60% in some scenarios. The discrepancy occurs because the methodologies vary between web traffic monitoring and collection via SDK in apps.
Despite the differences, web impression-based data continues to highlight relative slowness. Visitantes of specialized technology sites only show about 25% using iOS 26 in early January.
Occasional updates and ongoing adjustments
Apple released versions like 26.1 and 26.2 with performance fixes and refinements in Liquid Glass. Esses updates try to resolve initial complaints about fluidity and battery consumption in older models.
Extended support for iOS 18 allows users to calmly evaluate the benefits of the new interface. The strategy maintains broad compatibility while iOS 26 adoption gradually gains traction.
