Apple has released the highly-anticipated adoption statistics for iOS 26 for the first time. The company says that 74% of all devices introduced in the last four years are running iOS 26, while 66% of all devices are running iOS 26.
How many iPhones are running iOS 26?
These numbers are based on the devices that transacted on the App Store on February 12, 2026. They were published on Apple’s developer website today.
Of devices introduced in the last four years
iOS 26 was released on September 15, 2025. These numbers were measured on February 12, 2026 — so after 150 days of availability.
- iOS 26: 74%
- iOS 18: 20%
- Earlier: 6%
Compared to iOS 18 launch:
iOS 18 was released on September 16, 2024. These numbers were measured on January 21, 2025 — so after 127 days of availability.
- iOS 18: 76%
- iOS 17: 19%
- Earlier: 5%
Compared to iOS 17 launch:
iOS 17 was released on September 18, 2023. These numbers were measured on February 4, 2024 — so after 139 days of availability.
- iOS 17: 76%
- iOS 16: 20%
- Earlier: 4%
Of all devices
- iOS 26: 66%
- iOS 18: 24%
- Earlier: 10%
Compared to iOS 18 launch:
- iOS 18: 68%
- iOS 17: 19%
- Earlier: 13%
Compared to iOS 17 launch:
- iOS 17: 66%
- iOS 16: 23%
- Earlier: 11%
iPadOS 26
Meanwhile, here’s the data for iOS 26 updates so far.
Of devices introduced in the last four years
- iPadOS 26: 66%
- iPadOS 18: 28%
- Earlier: 6%
Compared to iPadOS 18 launch:
- iPadOS 18: 63%
- iPadOS 17: 27%
- Earlier: 10%
Compared to iPadOS 17 launch:
- iPadOS 17: 61%
- iPadOS 16: 29%
- Earlier: 10%
Of all devices
- iPadOS 26: 57%
- iPadOS 18: 26%
- Earlier: 17%
Compared to iPadOS 18 launch:
- iPadOS 18: 53%
- iPadOS 17: 28%
- Earlier: 19%
Compared to iPadOS 17 launch:
- iPadOS 17: 53%
- iPadOS 16: 29%
- Earlier: 18%
9to5Mac’s Take
There’s a ton of nuance to these numbers that’s important to keep in mind. First, iOS 26 dropped three iPhone models this year. The update is not available on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. iOS 18, meanwhile, was supported on all the same iPhone models as iOS 17. This plays a factor in update rates.
Based on these numbers, it’s clear that iPhone users are installing iOS 26 at a slightly slower pace than iOS 18.
After 150 days of availability, iOS 26 adoption sits at 74% among devices introduced in the last four years. iOS 18, meanwhile, was installed on 76% of devices after 127 days of availability.
It’s also clear, however, that iOS 26 hasn’t been a disaster like some pundits would want you to believe. For a software update as big as iOS 26, these numbers are quite respectable.
In recent years, Apple has also made it easier for users to remain on their current version of iOS if they are not yet prepared to transition to the next major release. For example, Apple released iOS 18.7 at the same time as iOS 26. Most recently, it released iOS 18.7.5 with important security fixes.
I’d be curious to see the adoption numbers for macOS Tahoe, too, but Apple doesn’t share that information. I think that data would be particularly fascinating this year.
Best iPhone 17 accessories
- Official Apple Silicone and TechWoven cases
- Apple Crossbody Strap
- Beats iPhone 17 cases with built-in kickstand
- Anker Nano multi-port USB-C charger
- Mujjo Leather Cases for iPhone 17
- USB-C cable with built-in LED display
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