Apple’s Latest iOS 26 Update: Are Users Making the Switch?

Apple has recently shared the long-awaited adoption data for iOS 26, revealing that 74% of devices introduced in the last four years are currently running this latest version. Additionally, 66% of all devices are now operating on iOS 26.

These statistics are based on the data collected from devices that accessed the App Store on February 12, 2026. Apple published these figures on their developer website today.

For devices introduced within the last four years, iOS 26 has seen a significant adoption rate of 74%, with iOS 18 trailing at 20%, and earlier versions only accounting for 6%. This marks a notable difference from the launch of iOS 18, where adoption stood at 76% after 127 days of availability.

Comparatively, iOS 17 had a similar adoption rate to iOS 26, with 76% of devices introduced in the last four years running on this version, while iOS 16 and earlier versions made up 20% and 4% respectively.

Moving on to the overall distribution across all devices, iOS 26 holds a 66% share, with iOS 18 at 24% and earlier versions at 10%. When compared to the release of iOS 18, the adoption rate of iOS 26 is slightly lower, indicating a more gradual transition for iPhone users.

Despite some pundits suggesting otherwise, the adoption of iOS 26 has been commendable considering its significant feature upgrades. Apple’s strategy of allowing users to stay on older versions, as seen with the release of iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 and subsequent security updates like iOS 18.7.5, has likely contributed to these respectable adoption rates.

While Apple does not disclose adoption data for macOS Tahoe, it would be interesting to see how it compares to iOS 26. Overall, the adoption trends for iOS updates provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences.

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