Every month Google publishes statistics on the coverage of their Android operating system, and this month the statistics released by Google show that a quarter of all Android devices are now running either Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system or Google’s latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system.
Last month around 20 percent of Android devices were running Android 4.0 but this month that has risen to 23.7 percent, with 1.8 percent of Android users running the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean software.
Adoption Rates and Trends
The adoption rates of new Android versions are always a topic of interest for developers and users alike. The increase from 20 percent to 23.7 percent for Android 4.0 ICS is a significant jump, indicating that more users are upgrading their devices or purchasing new ones that come pre-installed with the newer operating system. The 1.8 percent adoption rate for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, although seemingly small, is quite impressive considering it is the latest version and has only been available for a short period.
However, on the flip side of the statistics, this also means that still a massive 55.8 percent are still running Android Gingerbread, which launched back in 2010. This high percentage can be attributed to several factors, including the longevity of older devices that are still in use and the slower rollout of updates by some manufacturers and carriers.
Future Projections and Manufacturer Updates
As more smartphone manufacturers roll out Google’s latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean updates to their smartphones, just like HTC is doing this month to their One X and One S devices, the adoption rate will surely close in on that 50 percent milestone. Manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony, and LG are also expected to follow suit, pushing the adoption rates even higher. The rollout of updates is crucial for users to experience the latest features, security improvements, and performance enhancements that come with newer versions of Android.
For example, HTC’s decision to update their One X and One S devices to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is a strategic move to keep their user base satisfied and competitive in the market. Similarly, Samsung’s flagship devices like the Galaxy S3 and Note 2 are also expected to receive the Jelly Bean update, which will significantly boost the adoption rates.
Moreover, the introduction of new devices that come pre-installed with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean will also contribute to the increase in adoption rates. As consumers purchase these new devices, the percentage of users on the latest operating system will naturally rise.
For more information, jump over to the Google Android Developer website.
The statistics provided by Google offer valuable insights into the fragmentation of the Android ecosystem. While the diversity of devices and versions can be seen as a strength, it also poses challenges for developers who need to ensure compatibility across multiple versions. The ongoing efforts by Google and manufacturers to streamline updates and encourage users to upgrade will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of Android.
Source: Google
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