iOS 26 has been out for almost four months, but many iPhone users still have not moved on. A large share continues to run iOS 18, raising questions about whether this update is lagging behind earlier releases.
At this point in the release cycle, Apple usually sees faster adoption. That pattern makes the current numbers stand out and invites a closer look at what is actually happening.
Numbers suggest this
Statcounter has tracked operating system usage for years, including iOS versions. Its latest data shows that most active iPhones are still on iOS 18.
As of January 2026, global usage among iPhones breaks down like this for iOS 18:
- iOS 18.7: 33.8%
- iOS 18.6: 25.2%
- iOS 18.5: 5.6%
That puts iOS 18 well above 60% overall.
By comparison, iOS 26 usage looks much lower:
- iOS 26.1: 10.6%
- iOS 26.2: 4.6%
- iOS 26.0: 1.1%
Combined, iOS 26 sits at roughly 16% adoption four months after launch.
Comparison to earlier releases
This pace looks slow when set against past updates. In January 2025, more than 60% of users were already running some version of iOS 18. In early 2024, iOS 17 had crossed the 50% mark by the same point in its lifecycle.
Based on that history, iOS 26 appears to be trailing well behind.
A very different view from another dataset
TelemetryDeck reports a much stronger showing for iOS 26. According to its data, around 60% of users are already on the latest software, while about 37% remain on iOS 18.
That gap highlights a key issue. The two services measure different things. Statcounter relies on web impressions, while TelemetryDeck tracks usage through apps that integrate its SDK. Developer data from third-party apps tends to align more closely with TelemetryDeck’s figures.
Right now, iOS 26 adoption depends on where you look. One dataset points to a slow rollout. Another suggests adoption is right on track. The difference comes down to methodology, not necessarily user behavior.
What is clear is that iOS 18 still holds a strong grip on the iPhone base. Whether iOS 26 catches up quickly or continues to lag will become clearer over the next few months.
iOS26 is the new Windows 11; shoving an unwanted user interface, down our throats!
At least Android allows us to setup our devices the way we want; it’s time I switch operating systems!