iOS 18 Adoption Reaches 68% Among iPhone Users, Bringing AI Features and Customization

iOS 18 Adoption Hits 68% Among iPhone Users

Roughly 68% of all iPhones are now running iOS 18, rising to 76% for models released in the last four years, according to the latest statistics from Apple. It doesn't seem like users have been in a rush to upgrade and check out Apple's newest suite of generative AI products, Apple Intelligence. Adoption figures for iOS 18 are roughly the same as those for iOS 17 at this time last year, just 2% higher, 9to5Mac points out. iPad users generally haven't been in any rush to download the newest operating system either. Just over half -- 53% -- of all iPads are running iPadOS 18, which rises to 63% for tablets released in the last four years. A notable cohort of 10% of users are still using operating systems older than iPadOS 17. iOS 18 was released in October 2024, followed by iOS 18.2 in December, bringing AI-powered Writing Tools, a ChatGPT integration, type-to-Siri capability, and notification summaries (which had some high-profile malfunctions). It also introduced a much more customizable interface than previous versions of iOS, allowing users to personalize their iPhone's Home and Lock screens more freely than before. Additionally, it brought a redesigned and more advanced Photos app, as well as Rich Communication Services (RCS), making it easier for iPhone users to share photos with Android users. Apple is set to release iOS 18.3 next week, which will include additional Apple Intelligence features, such as the introduction of Visual Intelligence. This feature will allow users to identify plants and animals by pointing their phone's camera at them, and it can even help identify potential allergens. Apple Intelligence will be enabled by default, though users will have the option to opt-out. The rollout of Apple Intelligence may not have significantly boosted interest among smartphone buyers overall; global iPhone sales dropped 4.1% in Q4 2024, according to data from IDC, capturing 23.2% of the overall market.

iOS 18 hits 68% adoption across iPhones, per new Apple figures | TechCrunch

Apple released new figures Friday, highlighting user adoption of iOS 18. Released in public form back in September 2024, the mobile operating system is now installed on 68% of compatible devices. That number jumps to 78% on iPhones released in the last four years. As for the remaining iPhones out there, 19% are running iOS 17, and 13% are using an earlier version. Similarly, 19% of iPhones released in the last four years are currently running iOS 17. The figure drops to 5% with earlier iOS builds -- understandable, given the overall percentage of those devices that shipped with either iOS 17 or 18, along with early adopters' propensity to keep their devices running the latest OS updates. As 9 to 5 Mac points out, the figures presented are similar to those Apple issued in 2024 around iOS 17 adoption. The company's small model approach to generative AI, Apple Intelligence, was the marquee feature for iOS 18. That arrived with the operating system's first major update, 18.1, with additional features arriving with 18.2. The current public version is 18.2.1. Of course, Apple Intelligence has had some stumbles out of the gate, including one that required the company to roll back News notification summaries. iPadOS 18's adoption figures, meanwhile, are markedly lower than its mobile counterpart. Currently, 53% of all iPads are running iPadOS 18. That figure jumps to 63% for those released in the last four years.

iOS 18 adoption steady as users explore AI & customization

If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy. Apple's iOS 18 is improving the user experience with AI-powered tools, deeper customization, and enhanced privacy, driving strong adoption across iPhones and iPads. The iOS 18 update brings AI-powered tools, deeper customization, and enhanced privacy. Currently, 76% of iPhones released in the last four years and 68% of all iPhones are running the latest OS. The latest OS, iOS 18, has matched its predecessor in overall adoption, with 76% of iPhones from the past four years and 68% of all iPhones now running the software. In comparison, iOS 17 reached the same 76% adoption rate for newer devices in February 2024 but fell short of iOS 16's performance during a reflect a solid uptake, iOS 17 achieved higher adoption in the similar timeframe. Meanwhile, over half of all iPads -- 53% -- are now on iPadOS 18, while 63% of newer iPads have upgraded. Despite these milestones, around 27% of iPads remain on iPadOS 17, and 10% continue to use older software. What makes iOS 18 stand out to users The success of iOS 18 stems from its blend of practical enhancements, personalization, and user-centric AI features. Apple Intelligence, the standout addition, introduces a suite of tools powered by machine learning. Tasks like organizing photos, drafting messages, and curating personalized suggestions feel more intuitive and tailored than before. Customization is another major draw. For the first time, users can freely arrange app icons, apply color themes, and tweak the Control Center with resizable buttons and third-party app integrations. The Lock Screen has also evolved, allowing users to replace default shortcuts with apps or functions that fit their routines. Messaging has received notable updates, including the ability to schedule messages, apply animated effects, and respond with an expanded range of emoji reactions. Apple has also embraced Rich Communication Services (RCS), improving interactions with Android users through features like high-resolution media sharing and read receipts. Privacy remains a cornerstone of iOS. In iOS 18, users can lock or hide specific apps, requiring Face ID or a passcode to access them. Hidden apps are tucked into a secure folder within the App Library, further bolstering security. A closer look at adoption trends While iOS 18 has been widely adopted, its adoption rates are roughly comparable to those of iOS 17 at a similar point in its release cycle. Recent Apple statistics show 76% of iPhones released in the last four years are running iOS 18, a strong showing that aligns with previous versions. Speculation about slower hardware upgrade cycles and cautious attitudes toward updates may have some merit, but there's no concrete evidence tying these factors to adoption rates. Meanwhile, iOS 18's ecosystem-specific integrations and privacy features maintain its edge over Android. On the iPad side, iPadOS 18 shows steady adoption, with 63% of newer iPads running the latest software. Features like advanced multitasking, enhanced Apple Pencil support, and expanded widget options likely contribute to its popularity. However, iPads often experience slower upgrade cycles compared to iPhones, reflecting their different usage patterns and upgrade habits. For app developers, iOS 18's rapid adoption opens doors for apps that leverage new APIs. Features like enhanced machine learning capabilities in Core ML and improvements in ARKit for augmented reality experiences can offer new capabilities. Overall, the numbers paint a positive picture for Apple, even if adoption rates for iOS 18 haven't outpaced previous versions.