Tech Desk 
Jan 25, 2025
Apple has revealed the first adoption data for iOS 18, showing a steady uptake among users. As of January 21, 2025, iOS 18 is installed on 68% of all iPhones, while 76% of iPhones introduced in the last four years have made the switch
However, this places its adoption rate in line with iOS 17 last year, reflecting steady user enthusiasm for upgrading to Apple’s newest operating system.
Apple shares iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 adoption rates
The adoption rates were calculated based on devices accessing the App Store. For comparison, in 2024, iOS 17 had reached 76% of recent iPhones and 66% of all devices by this time.
On the iPad side, iPadOS 18 is installed on 53% of all iPads, and 63% of iPads released in the last four years. Apple’s continued support for older devices, dating back to the iPhone XS and iPad models from 2018, ensures that more users benefit from new features, security updates, and bug fixes.
Apple also gives users the option to stay on older versions of iOS. For example, when iOS 18 launched in September, users hesitant about upgrading could choose iOS 17.7 for security fixes without adopting the major update.
Similarly, in November, Apple even released iOS 17.7.2 and iPadOS 17.7.2 to strengthen the security of users sticking with the older system.
