Not everyone is excited when Apple unveils the latest version of its operating system. For many everyday users, what matters most is a device that runs smoothly, has long battery life, and avoids unexpected bugs. With iOS 18 having met those needs well, a new wave of “update hesitation” has emerged.

According to the latest data from Statcounter as of January 2026, the majority of iPhones worldwide are still running iOS 18, signaling a widespread tendency to postpone major upgrades.

Statcounter’s report shows that iOS 18.7 holds a 33.8% share of active iPhones, followed by iOS 18.6 at 25.2% and iOS 18.5 at 5.6%. Combined, iOS 18 variants account for over 60% of devices globally. In contrast, the adoption rates for iOS 26 remain modest: iOS 26.1 stands at 10.6%, iOS 26.2 at 4.6%, and iOS 26.0 at only 1.1%.

Compared to previous versions, this uptake is significantly slower. Back in January 2025 - just four months after the release of iOS 18 - over 60% of users had already made the switch. A year before that, iOS 17 crossed the 50% adoption mark in a similar timeframe.

However, data from TelemetryDeck paints a different picture. This platform suggests that around 60% of users have already moved to iOS 26, while roughly 37% remain on iOS 18. The discrepancy stems from different data collection methods: Statcounter relies on web traffic, whereas TelemetryDeck gathers data directly from apps using its analytics tools.

Third-party developers argue that TelemetryDeck’s numbers may better reflect the behavior of active app users, while Statcounter’s figures are more influenced by browsing habits and older device models.

Nevertheless, both datasets highlight a key trend: iOS adoption is no longer uniform. The rollout of major updates is meeting more resistance than in past years, indicating a more cautious mindset among users.

Technology outlet PhoneArena notes that while iOS updates now arrive more frequently, so do reports of battery drain, lagging performance, or minor glitches - issues that cause concern among non-tech-savvy users. For them, delaying an update is a practical way to avoid disruptions to their daily routine.

Another factor is that the feature gap between iOS versions is narrowing. While iOS 18 introduced many noticeable improvements over iOS 17, subsequent versions have focused more on refinements. These subtle changes often fail to justify the perceived risks of upgrading, especially when many headline features are only fully functional on newer iPhone models.

Those using iPhones from two or three years ago are even less inclined to update. The potential benefits may not be apparent, while the risk of introducing bugs remains real. Tapping “Remind me later” has become a safe default for many - at least until an update proves its stability.

PhoneArena emphasizes that while short-term delay is understandable, users should eventually update to avoid missing out on crucial security patches. Even so, the current trend reflects a broader truth: for many users today, a reliable phone experience matters more than having the latest software.

Du Lam