Google has released its latest Android distribution figures, and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is now on 4.9 percent of devices. This is up from 2.9 percent in April.
Next up is Android Honeycomb, which is on 3.3 percent of devices. Then we have Android 2.3 Gingerbread, which is now on 64.4 percent of Android devices. This has actually increased from April when Gingerbread was on 63.7 percent of all devices.
Android 2.2 Froyo is on 20.9 percent of Android devices, followed by Android 2.1 Eclair, which is on 5.5 percent. Finally, we have Android 1.6 Donut on 0.7 percent of devices and Android 1.5 Cupcake on 0.3 percent. You can see more details over at the Android Developers.
Understanding the Distribution Trends
The distribution trends of Android versions provide valuable insights into the adoption rates and longevity of different Android versions. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, which was released in October 2011, has shown a steady increase in adoption, now reaching 4.9 percent of devices. This growth can be attributed to the fact that many manufacturers have started rolling out updates to their devices, and new devices are being shipped with this version pre-installed.
On the other hand, Android Honeycomb, which was specifically designed for tablets, has a smaller share of 3.3 percent. This lower adoption rate is likely due to the limited number of tablets compared to smartphones in the market. Honeycomb’s unique interface and features were a significant departure from previous versions, but it didn’t see widespread adoption due to its niche focus.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread remains the dominant version, with 64.4 percent of devices running it. Gingerbread’s long-standing popularity can be attributed to its stability and the fact that it was the default version for many devices for an extended period. Manufacturers and users alike have found it reliable, which has contributed to its enduring presence.
Legacy Versions and Their Impact
Older versions of Android, such as Android 2.2 Froyo, Android 2.1 Eclair, Android 1.6 Donut, and Android 1.5 Cupcake, still hold a small but notable share of the market. Android 2.2 Froyo, with 20.9 percent of devices, continues to be used on many older smartphones that have not received updates to newer versions. This version introduced significant performance improvements and features like Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, which have kept it relevant for some users.
Android 2.1 Eclair, on 5.5 percent of devices, was a major update when it was released, bringing features like live wallpapers and improved Google Maps integration. Despite its age, it still has a presence on some older devices that have not been upgraded.
The earliest versions, Android 1.6 Donut and Android 1.5 Cupcake, are now on a very small percentage of devices, 0.7 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively. These versions laid the foundation for the Android ecosystem, introducing essential features like the Android Market (now Google Play Store) and support for different screen sizes and resolutions.
The distribution of Android versions highlights the diverse landscape of Android devices and the varying rates of adoption for different versions. As newer versions continue to be released, it will be interesting to see how the distribution shifts and which versions will maintain their presence in the market. For more detailed information, you can visit the Android Developers page.
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