In the lead-up to its much-anticipated WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple has shared a striking milestone: 82% of compatible iPhones are now running iOS 18, the company’s latest mobile operating system. This figure represents a significant jump from 68% in January 2025, highlighting Apple’s continued dominance in mobile software updates and device optimization.
The news comes just days before Apple is expected to unveil its next-generation OS, rumored to be named iOS 26, a shift from traditional version numbering to a model-year naming convention.
Apple introduced iOS 18 during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024, with public rollout beginning in September 2024. The OS is compatible with devices starting from the iPhone XR and XS series onward.
One of the key factors behind the swift adoption is Apple’s tightly integrated hardware-software ecosystem, which allows the company to roll out updates across a vast user base simultaneously. This contrasts sharply with the Android landscape, where software fragmentation still presents a challenge for uniform adoption.
“iOS 18 has seen one of the fastest uptakes in recent years, proving that Apple’s software optimization and user trust in updates remain high,” noted tech analyst Maribel Mendoza of Futurum Research.
More Than Just iPhones: iPadOS 18 Adoption Hits 71%
Apple also revealed that 71% of eligible iPads are now running iPadOS 18, the tablet-specific version of iOS. Among iPads released in the last four years, the adoption rate jumps to 81%. These numbers reflect the increasing alignment between iOS and iPadOS features, helping users maintain consistent workflows across devices.
The strong adoption rates on iPad suggest that Apple’s investments in the tablet experience including improved multitasking, a customizable home screen, and enhanced Apple Pencil support—are resonating with users.
iPhones Released in Last Four Years See Highest Uptake
Apple clarified that 88% of iPhones released in the last four years are running iOS 18, compared to 76% in January. This means the majority of newer iPhone users are staying up to date, driven by both feature appeal and Apple’s aggressive push to prompt updates.
Newer devices typically enjoy a smoother and more feature-rich iOS experience due to hardware compatibility, encouraging users to stay current. iOS 18 included features such as custom lock screens, AI-enhanced dictation, improved privacy controls, and expanded support for satellite connectivity on newer iPhones.
While Apple shared aggregate numbers, it did not break down adoption by sub-versions (e.g., iOS 18.1 vs iOS 18.4). This has drawn some criticism from developers and analysts, who argue that such information is useful for debugging and performance optimization.
“Knowing how many users are on the most recent point release is important for developers deploying app updates that rely on recent bug fixes or features,” said John Gruber, veteran Apple commentator.
Nonetheless, the overarching message is clear: Apple continues to lead the industry in mobile OS adoption rates by a wide margin.
Curiously, Apple’s update did not include any usage statistics for Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI-powered tools announced in 2024. These features, which include smart message suggestions, contextual Siri capabilities, and in-device learning, were supposed to form a cornerstone of iOS 18.
The omission could mean that Apple is saving these updates for WWDC 2025, where it may introduce the next evolution of Apple Intelligence, potentially linked to iOS 26.
As Apple prepares to debut its next major mobile OS, the company is expected to change its naming convention, aligning version names with release years much like automobile model years. If accurate, iOS 18’s successor will be known as iOS 26, reflecting its 2025 release.
Rumored features include:
- A major visual redesign inspired by visionOS and the Vision Pro headset, with translucent UI elements and new icon shapes.
- An integrated gaming hub merging Apple Arcade and the App Store.
- A virtual health coach powered by Apple Intelligence.
- AI-enhanced battery management and reverse wireless charging support for upcoming iPhones.
- Automatic language translation in Messages, along with a new polling feature for group chats.
These upgrades are expected to reinforce Apple’s positioning in health, productivity, and AI-enhanced usability.
Apple’s announcement of an 82% adoption rate for iOS 18 just days before WWDC is a clear signal of strong user engagement and platform trust. In an era where Android adoption can be fragmented across OEMs and carriers, Apple’s direct-to-user update model continues to be a competitive advantage.
As the world anticipates iOS 26, Apple seems poised to usher in a new era of mobile computing that blends design evolution, AI capabilities, and platform-wide consistency.
