Google has released its latest Android distribution figures, and the latest version of their mobile OS, Android Marshmallow, is now on 4.6 percent of devices. This marks a significant milestone for the operating system, reflecting its growing adoption among users.
The latest Android distribution figures cover the 7-day period up to the 4th of April. Notably, Android Marshmallow distribution has doubled since last month, indicating a rapid uptake of the new OS version. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the release of new devices pre-installed with Marshmallow and updates rolled out by manufacturers for existing devices.
Adoption of Android Marshmallow
Android Marshmallow, also known as Android 6.0, introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessors. Key features include Doze Mode, which significantly enhances battery life by putting the device into a deep sleep state when not in use, and App Standby, which limits the impact of seldom-used apps on battery life. Additionally, Marshmallow brought granular app permissions, allowing users to control what data and features apps can access, thereby enhancing privacy and security.
The adoption rate of Marshmallow is a critical metric for Google, as it reflects the effectiveness of their update distribution strategy. Despite the fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, with numerous manufacturers and devices, the doubling of Marshmallow’s distribution in a month is a positive sign. It suggests that both users and manufacturers are recognizing the benefits of upgrading to the latest OS version.
Distribution of Other Android Versions
Google also revealed details on the distribution of other versions of Android. Android Lollipop, which includes versions 5.0 and 5.1, is now on 35.8 percent of devices. This makes Lollipop the most widely used version of Android currently. Its popularity can be attributed to the significant design overhaul it introduced with Material Design, as well as performance improvements and new features like Smart Lock.
KitKat, or Android 4.4, is on 33.4 percent of devices. KitKat was known for its optimization for lower-end devices, making it a popular choice for budget smartphones and tablets. Its lightweight nature allowed it to run smoothly on devices with limited hardware capabilities, ensuring a broad user base.
Older versions of Android include Android Jelly Bean (versions 4.1 to 4.3), which is on 21.3 percent of tablets and smartphones. Jelly Bean introduced features like Google Now and Project Butter, which aimed to improve the user experience with smoother graphics and faster performance.
Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0) is on 2.2 percent of devices. This version was notable for unifying the smartphone and tablet user experiences under a single OS. Gingerbread (version 2.3) is on 2.6 percent of devices, and Froyo (version 2.2) is on 0.1 percent. These older versions are gradually being phased out as users upgrade to newer devices and OS versions.
The distribution figures highlight the ongoing challenge of fragmentation within the Android ecosystem. Unlike Apple’s iOS, which sees rapid adoption of new versions due to its control over both hardware and software, Android’s open nature means that updates depend on manufacturers and carriers. This can lead to delays and inconsistencies in the availability of the latest OS versions.
You can see more details about the latest Android distribution figures over at the Android Developers website at the link below.
Source Android Developers
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