Google has released its latest Android distribution figures, and Android Marshmallow is now on 7.5% of Android devices. This marks a significant increase from 4.6% last month.
That is quite an increase in Android Marshmallow adoption from last month and higher than any previous increases since the OS was released. This surge in adoption could be attributed to several factors, including the release of new devices pre-installed with Marshmallow and updates being rolled out to existing devices.
Understanding the Distribution Figures
The latest figures cover the seven-day period up until the 2nd of May 2016. Any versions of Android below 0.1% distribution are not listed in the table below. This method of reporting ensures that only the most relevant data is presented, focusing on the versions that are actively used by a significant portion of the user base.
Android Lollipop is now on 35.6% of devices, which has gone down 0.2% from last month. This slight decrease suggests that some users are upgrading from Lollipop to Marshmallow. Android KitKat remains on 32.5% of devices, showing a more stable user base that has not yet transitioned to newer versions.
Jelly Bean accounts for 20.1% of devices. The rest is made up of ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich), Gingerbread, and Froyo, which are now on less than 5% of devices combined. These older versions are gradually phasing out as users upgrade to more recent versions of Android.
Factors Influencing Adoption Rates
Several factors influence the adoption rates of new Android versions. One major factor is the release of new devices that come pre-installed with the latest OS. For instance, flagship devices from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and HTC often drive the initial surge in adoption rates.
Another factor is the rollout of updates to existing devices. Manufacturers and carriers play a crucial role in this process. Delays in rolling out updates can slow down the adoption rate. However, when updates are timely, they can significantly boost the number of devices running the latest version.
Additionally, user awareness and the perceived benefits of the new OS can impact adoption rates. Features such as improved battery life, enhanced security, and new functionalities can entice users to upgrade. For example, Marshmallow introduced Doze Mode, which significantly improves battery life by putting the device into a deep sleep state when not in use.
It will be interesting to see where Marshmallow distribution is at next month and whether Google will be able to increase the adoption at the same rate. The trend so far suggests a steady increase, but various factors such as the release of new devices and the efficiency of update rollouts will play a crucial role.
The adoption of Android Marshmallow is on the rise, showing a promising trend for Google’s latest OS version. As new devices continue to hit the market and updates are rolled out, it is likely that we will see further increases in the coming months. Keeping an eye on these distribution figures provides valuable insights into the Android ecosystem and how quickly users are transitioning to newer versions.
Source: Android Developers
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