iOS 15 adoption is slower than iOS 14

Apple has adoption rate figures iOS 15, about four months after its first public release. The numbers tell us that 72% of all iPhones released in the past four years have upgraded, with older models still including the update, 63%. About 25-30% of all iOS users are still stuck with iOS 14, and less than 7% have an older version.

If we compare the numbers for 2020, the first time Apple provides iOS certification numbers to the public, we can make a startling note. Three months after the release of iOS 14, the new version was already 72% of all iPhones and 81% if only recent models were included. So iOS 15 adoption is slower than previous versions.

Slower adoption due to policy modification update

These numbers must be viewed in the right perspective. Apple made an adjustment to its update policy with iOS 15. Unlike in previous years, releasing a new version does not mean the end of the previous version. Those still using iOS 14 won’t be able to take advantage of the new features that iOS 15 brings, but they will still be eligible for regular security updates. The latest update to iOS 13 was released in September 2020.

So the slower adoption of iOS 15 doesn’t have to show that iOS 15 is less popular than its predecessors. It is likely that Apple will start pushing the permanent iOS 14 users more openly towards the new version in 2022. Yesterday the latest version of iOS 15.2.1 was released.

iPadOS 15

For the same reason, iPadOS 15 adoption is slower than planned. The numbers are lower for iPads. Overall, less than half of iPads still in circulation have already upgraded to iOS 15. Do you already have iOS 15?