In early April, Google shared its latest numbers on Android device distributions, revealing some interesting trends. As of April 1, Android 15 has made its way to 4.5% of devices. It started rolling out in September, with stable versions available for Pixel, OnePlus, and Nothing starting in mid-October. Samsung has been testing One UI 7, which only recently launched.
Currently, the majority of devices—27.4%—are still using Android 14. Here’s a quick summary of the current Android versions and their percentages:
- Android 15: 4.5%
- Android 14: 27.4%
- Android 13: 16.8%
- Android 12: 12.8%
- Android 11: 15.9%
- Android 10: 10.2%
- Android 9: 5.8%
- Android 8.1: 3.0%
- Android 8: 1.0%
- Android 7.1: 0.6%
- Android 7: 0.6%
- Android 6: 0.7%
- Android 5.1: 0.5%
- Android 5: 0.1%
- Android 4.4: 0.1%
While users are just starting to adopt the new version, Android 16 is expected to arrive as soon as June for Pixel devices, which should stir up excitement.
It’s worth noting how these updates roll out. Google assesses these numbers from devices connecting to the Play Store over a week. This method provides a snapshot of how many users are upgrading to the latest versions.
Interestingly, as of late 2023, Android 14 was still the most common version. This trend of slow updates isn’t new; historically, many users hold onto older versions for longer due to hardware limitations or preference.
A recent survey showed that about 54% of users want regular, noticeable improvements in their devices, highlighting that users appreciate updates but are often reluctant to upgrade due to various technical or personal factors. It’s always a balancing act for tech companies to ensure new features entice users while maintaining device compatibility.
As mobile technology evolves, the adoption rates of new software versions can shape how future updates are developed. Keeping an eye on these trends can give us insights into user behavior and preferences as they engage with their devices.
For more in-depth information, consider checking data from reputable sources like Statista or Google’s official blog for the latest updates.