Apple’s iOS 18 Adoption Surges: 68% of Compatible Devices Running Latest Update
iOS 18 adoption soars to 68%, with 78% of recent iPhones upgrading. Apple Intelligence fuels interest despite early hurdles. Learn more.
Apple’s Latest Update Sees Swift Adoption Among Users
Apple has released fresh data highlighting the rapid adoption of iOS 18, its latest mobile operating system. Since its public release in September 2024, iOS 18 has been installed on 68% of compatible iPhones. Among models released within the last four years, adoption climbs to an impressive 78%, underscoring users’ enthusiasm for Apple’s newest features and optimizations.
Breakdown of iOS 18 Adoption Rates
Despite the widespread adoption of iOS 18, a notable segment of users still operates on previous versions. According to Apple’s latest figures:
19% of all iPhones continue to run iOS 17.
13% of devices are operating on even earlier iOS versions.
Among iPhones released in the past four years, 19% still use iOS 17, while a mere 5% run earlier builds.
The trend aligns with Apple’s historical adoption rates, mirroring previous patterns seen with iOS 17. Early adopters, particularly those using newer iPhones, tend to upgrade swiftly, taking advantage of enhanced security measures, refined performance, and new feature rollouts.
Apple Intelligence: The Driving Force Behind iOS 18
One of iOS 18’s most significant draws is Apple Intelligence, the company’s proprietary generative AI model. Introduced as the flagship feature of the operating system, Apple Intelligence was rolled out in iOS 18.1, with further enhancements arriving in iOS 18.2 and the current public version, 18.2.1.
Despite its promising capabilities, Apple Intelligence has encountered some initial hurdles. One notable issue involved the company retracting News notification summaries due to performance inconsistencies. However, Apple continues refining the AI-powered system, ensuring its long-term viability as a cornerstone of the iOS ecosystem.
iPadOS 18 Lags Behind in Adoption
While iOS 18 enjoys widespread adoption, iPadOS 18 tells a slightly different story. The latest data reveals:
53% of all iPads are now running iPadOS 18.
Among iPads released in the past four years, 63% have made the switch.
The disparity in adoption rates between iPhones and iPads could be attributed to varying user behavior. iPads, often used for productivity and creative tasks, may see slower OS adoption due to concerns about app compatibility and workflow disruptions.
Why iOS 18 Adoption is Outpacing Expectations
Apple’s ability to push rapid adoption of its operating systems stems from several factors:
Seamless Update Process – Over-the-air updates and automatic installations make upgrading hassle-free for users.
Exclusive Features – Apple Intelligence, new privacy controls, and enhanced customization encourage users to upgrade.
Security Enhancements – Regular security patches and bug fixes incentivize users to stay on the latest OS.
Developer Support – App developers prioritize the latest iOS version, encouraging users to upgrade for full-feature access.
What’s Next for iOS 18?
Apple is expected to continue refining iOS 18 through incremental updates, addressing initial bugs while introducing additional features. With iOS 18.3 on the horizon, users can anticipate further AI-driven enhancements and performance optimizations. Meanwhile, as Apple pushes for broader adoption of iPadOS 18, future updates could bridge the gap between iPad and iPhone upgrade rates.
The strong adoption rates of iOS 18 reaffirm Apple’s dominance in mobile software innovation. With 78% of recent iPhones already running the latest OS, the company’s commitment to seamless software experiences remains evident. While iPadOS 18 adoption lags behind, upcoming updates may accelerate its uptake. As Apple Intelligence matures, the future of iOS looks increasingly promising.
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data and official Apple reports as of January 2025. Adoption rates and feature availability may vary based on region, device compatibility, and future software updates. Users are advised to visit Apple’s official website for the latest information.)
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