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Apple reveals how many users are running iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

Ahead of WWDC next week, Apple has shared new data on the adoption rates of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. The company reports that iOS 18 is now installed on 88% of devices introduced in the last four years, while iPadOS 18 is installed on 81% of devices introduced in the same period.

iOS 18 usage

Here are Apple’s numbers for iOS 18 adoption so far:

  • 88% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 82% of all devices

Here’s how these numbers compare to iOS 17 and iOS 16 at the same time in prior years:

iOS 17 (as announced on June 11, 2024):

  • 86% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 77% of all devices

iOS 16 (as announced on June 1, 2023):

  • 90% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 81% of all devices

iPadOS 18 usage

Here are Apple’s numbers for iPadOS 18 adoption so far:

  • 81% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 71% of all devices

And here’s how those numbers compare to iPadOS 17 and iPadOS 16:

iPadOS 17 (as announced on June 11, 2024):

  • 86% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 68% of all devices

iPadOS 16 (as announced on June 1, 2023):

  • 76% of devices introduced in the last four years
  • 71% of all devices

More context

Apple’s usage numbers for the latest iOS and iPadOS versions remain quite impressive. The company touts several different reasons for this:

  • iOS 18 is available to iPhones dating back to the iPhone Xs, which was released in 2018.
  • Software updates can easily be performed via the Settings app or installed automatically overnight.
  • Apple can roll out new updates directly to users, without any middleman getting in the way.

Apple also highlights that these usage numbers are important to developers, who make decisions based on the percentage of their user base that has installed the latest iOS and iPadOS releases.

It’s also important to keep your iPhone and iPad up to date to ensure you’re running the most secure version of software available. Apple’s software updates routinely patch vulnerabilities, in addition to fixing pesky bugs and adding new features.

In recent years, Apple has also made it easier for users to stay on their current version of iOS if they aren’t quite ready to make the jump to the next major release. For example, when Apple released iOS 18 in September, it also released iOS 17.7. iPhone users were given a choice between updating to iOS 18 to access all the update’s new features or updating to iOS 17.7.

Today’s new data comes ahead of the introduction of iOS 26 next week, which you can learn more about in our complete guide.

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Avatar for Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.