Apple released iOS 26 globally on September 15, 2025. However, adoption among iPhone users has been surprisingly low even after four months.
StatCounter data from January 2026 shows only around 15-16% of active iPhone users have upgraded to any iOS 26 version. The breakdown is 1.1% for iOS 26.0, 4.6% for iOS 26.2, and 10.6% for iOS 26.1. In contrast, more than 60% of iPhone users still run iOS 18, mainly versions 18.7 and 18.6.
Historically, this adoption rate is unusually low. For comparison, after four months of its release, iOS 18 had already been installed on about 63% of devices as of January 2025. Similarly, iOS 17 and iOS 16 saw adoption rates of 54% and over 60% respectively within the same timeframe, according to MacRumors. The current slow uptake of iOS 26 is therefore an anomaly in recent trends.
StatCounter collects this data by analyzing web traffic and monitoring OS versions through page views across participating global websites. Their analysis helps identify potential reasons behind the reluctance to upgrade.
According to StatCounter, a major factor is Apple’s introduction of the Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26. This design features dramatic visual changes emphasizing semi-transparent interface elements, blurred backgrounds, and dynamic depth effects.
When unveiled at WWDC 2025, the Liquid Glass style was met with lukewarm reception from users. This negative initial reaction likely contributed to many users hesitating to install the update. Such a drastic design overhaul can lead to user discomfort or dissatisfaction, especially among those who prefer familiar aesthetics.
Fortunately, Apple continues to provide security updates for older versions like iOS 18, allowing users to retain device safety without feeling pressured to upgrade. This ongoing support reduces the urgency for users to adopt iOS 26 despite its new features.
The split between upgrading and holding back appears linked to the perceived value and comfort of the new interface. Users may be weighing the benefits of new features against the disruption caused by the Liquid Glass look. The cautious approach reflects a broader trend of users preferring stability over radical changes in system software.
Here is a summary of the current adoption landscape for iOS versions as of January 2026, based on StatCounter data:
1. iOS 26 (all versions): ~15-16%
2. iOS 18 (primarily 18.7 and 18.6): ~60%+
3. Earlier versions: making up the remainder
This adoption pattern marks a distinct divergence from previous iOS rollouts. It illustrates how significant visual redesigns can impact upgrade speed, even for a major platform like iOS on iPhones globally.
While iOS 26 introduces fresh aesthetics, user response so far signals that design changes play a critical role in upgrade decisions. Apple’s continued support for legacy systems offers a secure alternative for those hesitant to embrace the new version immediately.
As the iOS ecosystem evolves, balancing innovation with user preference remains essential. The ongoing feedback to iOS 26’s Liquid Glass may prompt further refinements or future design adjustments in subsequent updates.
