Apple announced last month that there were now more than 300 million iOS devices running iOS 6, and now according to a recent report, iOS 6 and above is running on a total of 83 percent of all iOS devices.
According to the report, iOS 6.1 is on 42.4 percent of devices, iOS 6.0 on 30 percent of devices, and iOS 6.1.1 on 2.2 percent of devices. The remainder is split up between iOS 5 and below.
As seen in the graph above, iOS 6.1.1 accounts for 1.4% of all North American iOS impressions slightly 24 hours following its debut. While the new operating system’s limited scope of release narrows its impact on overall iOS distribution, all iOS 6 users (which include iOS 6.0, 6.1, and 6.1.1) now command 83.1% of all iOS Web traffic continentally. To give this number some perspective, consider that Google’s own statistics show that, globally, 42.6% of Android users are on Android version 4.0 or above.
iOS 6 Adoption Rate
The rapid adoption rate of iOS 6 is a testament to Apple’s ability to push updates to its devices efficiently. Unlike Android, where updates are often delayed due to manufacturer and carrier customizations, iOS updates are rolled out directly by Apple. This ensures that a significant portion of users can access the latest features and security updates promptly. For instance, the introduction of iOS 6 brought about several new features such as the revamped Maps app, Passbook, and improvements to Siri. These enhancements likely contributed to the swift uptake of the new operating system.
Comparison with Android
When comparing iOS adoption rates to Android, the difference is stark. As mentioned earlier, only 42.6% of Android users are on version 4.0 or above. This fragmentation can be attributed to the diverse range of Android devices and the various customizations made by manufacturers. For example, a Samsung device might receive an update months after a Google Pixel device due to the additional layers of software Samsung adds to its version of Android. This delay can leave many users without the latest features and security patches, potentially exposing them to vulnerabilities.
Moreover, the seamless integration of hardware and software in Apple’s ecosystem plays a crucial role in the rapid adoption of new iOS versions. Apple controls both the hardware and software, allowing for a more streamlined and cohesive user experience. This level of control ensures that updates are optimized for all supported devices, providing a consistent experience across the board.
In contrast, the Android ecosystem’s diversity, while offering consumers a wide range of choices, also leads to inconsistencies in user experience. Different manufacturers prioritize updates differently, and some older devices may never receive the latest Android version. This fragmentation can be frustrating for users who want to experience the latest features and improvements.
You can find out more details about the report over at Chitika.
The high adoption rate of iOS 6 and above highlights the efficiency of Apple’s update distribution system and the benefits of a tightly integrated ecosystem. While Android offers a broader range of devices and customization options, it also faces challenges in ensuring timely updates across its diverse user base. As technology continues to evolve, the ability to provide users with the latest features and security updates will remain a critical factor in the success of any mobile operating system.
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