iOS 17 User Base Strong, But Lagging Behind Predecessor
With the unveiling of iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, attention turns to the current operating system landscape. While developers explore the iOS 18 beta, Apple’s latest figures reveal a 77% adoption rate for iOS 17 across all iOS devices. This respectable penetration, however, trails behind the performance of its predecessor at the same stage.
Dissecting iOS 17’s Market Share
According to data published on the Apple Developer portal, nearly four out of five iOS devices are currently running last year’s major software update. This statistic, while substantial, falls short of the 81% adoption rate iOS 16 boasted in June 2023. Focusing on newer devices, iOS 17 is present on 86% of iPhones released within the last four years. This also represents a dip compared to iOS 16’s 90% saturation within the same timeframe in the previous year.
A Closer Look at the Numbers (as of June 9, 2024)
Apple’s official data, based on App Store activity, provides a detailed breakdown:
Recent iPhones (Last Four Years):
iOS 17: 86%
iOS 16: 11%
Earlier Versions: 3%
All iPhones:
iOS 17: 77%
iOS 16: 14%
Earlier Versions: 9%
Recent iPads (Last Four Years):
iPadOS 17: 86%
iPadOS 16: 15%
Earlier Versions: 8%
All iPads:
iPadOS 17: 68%
iPadOS 16: 17%
Earlier Versions: 15%
Informing Development Strategies
This data serves as a crucial guide for developers, enabling them to strategically allocate resources and ensure app compatibility with the most prevalent iOS versions. Understanding the user base distribution empowers developers to optimize their apps for the widest possible audience.
The Road Ahead for iOS Adoption
iOS 16’s redesigned Lock Screen proved a compelling incentive for upgrades, contributing to its strong adoption. It remains to be seen whether iOS 18 will surpass both iOS 16 and iOS 17 in user uptake by next year. The upcoming features and improvements will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its adoption trajectory.
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