iOS 26 Shows Unusually Slow Adoption Months After Release

iOS 26 is experiencing significantly slower adoption by iPhone users compared to previous versions. Months after its release, only about 15 to 16% of active iPhones globally are running iOS 26, according to StatCounter data. This contrasts sharply with iOS 18, which over 60% of iPhones were using at a similar point in its release cycle. Historically, iOS 17 and iOS 16 saw adoption rates of 54% and over 60% respectively within the same timeframe. Current adoption of iOS 26 is less than a quarter of the rate seen with its predecessors. MacRumors visitor data also reflects this trend, with a drastic drop in iOS 26 usage among its readers. The new Liquid Glass visual overhaul, which features translucency and dynamic depth effects, received mixed reviews upon announcement, potentially contributing to user hesitation. Furthermore, Apple's continued support of older operating systems with security updates offers users less incentive to upgrade immediately. Without official Apple numbers, the exact adoption rate is unknown, but the data strongly suggests a notable reluctance to upgrade to iOS 26.