Apple Unveils iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 Adoption Rates: Key Insights

Apple has shared its first-ever adoption statistics for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, revealing impressive numbers for their latest operating systems. According to data published on January 21, 2025, a whopping 76% of iPhones released in the past four years are already running iOS 18. Comparatively, 19% remain on iOS 17, while just 5% continue to use earlier versions.

Looking at all active iPhones, 68% have upgraded to iOS 18, followed by 19% on iOS 17, and 13% on older versions.

When it comes to iPads, 63% of those released in the last four years are now on iPadOS 18. Meanwhile, 27% are using iPadOS 17, and 10% are running earlier software. Across all iPads currently in use, 53% are on iPadOS 18, 28% on iPadOS 17, and 19% are on older versions.

Source: Gsmarena.

How Does This Compare to Past Years?

These figures mirror adoption trends from iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 around the same time last year. For example, 76% of newer iPhones had adopted the latest software back then, while older iPhones were at 66%. Similarly, 61% of newer iPads were on the latest operating system last year, compared to 53% of all active devices.

The steady pace of adoption underscores Apple's ability to deliver seamless updates that users are quick to embrace, especially when compared to the fragmented update schedules seen on Android devices.

What These Numbers Reveal

Apple's consistent adoption rates highlight its dominance in software optimization and customer loyalty. If you're an iOS user, these statistics show the convenience of staying up-to-date with Apple's latest features. If you're an Android fan, you might view this as a testament to Apple's closed ecosystem—but the choice is yours.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into the specifics of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, check out Apple’s Official Support Page.

Main Image Credit: Juli Clover via Macrumors.