Apple’s iOS 26 has faced significant rejection from users, leading to disappointing adoption rates. Recent statistics reveal just 18.1% of iPhone users have upgraded to iOS 26 as of January 2026. This is a stark contrast to the previous year’s iOS version, iOS 18, which achieved a remarkable 77.1% adoption rate during the same period.
iOS 26 Adoption Rates
According to data from StatCounter, the adoption rates for various iOS versions are as follows:
- iOS 18.7: 33.81%
- iOS 18.6: 25.2%
- iOS 26.1: 10.57%
- iOS 18.5: 5.56%
- iOS 26.2: 4.62%
- iOS 16.7: 2.23%
- iOS 15.8: 1.76%
- Others: 16.24%
In comparison, the results from early January 2025 show that the previous iOS 18 versions performed much better:
- iOS 18.1: 46.82%
- iOS 18.2: 12.88%
- iOS 17.6: 9.18%
- iOS 16.7: 3.47%
- iOS 18.0: 3.46%
- iOS 17.5: 3.26%
- iOS 15.8: 2.83%
- Others: 18.11%
The Unpopularity of iOS 26
The plunge in adoption rates for iOS 26 raises concerns about user satisfaction. The aesthetic redesign known as the Liquid Glass interface has garnered criticism, affecting user enthusiasm for the update. Many users seem hesitant to embrace this new look, resulting in lower upgrade rates.
Despite the weaker uptake, Apple remains financially stable, as iOS updates are free. However, the company emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust operating system user base. Improved security measures and the visibility of the latest features are crucial for marketing and brand reputation.
Conclusion
While many iPhone users reject iOS 26, the reasons appear to stem from dissatisfaction with its design and user experience. Apple will need to address these concerns to enhance adoption rates for future iOS updates. In the meantime, users can modify the Liquid Glass settings to mitigate some aesthetic issues, suggesting that not all might be lost for iOS 26.
