Apple has shared fresh iOS 26 adoption numbers, and the latest update is already installed on a huge portion of recent iPhones. About 150 days after its general release, iOS 26 is now running on 74 percent of iPhones introduced over the past four years (since 2022). That’s a strong showing by any standard, and it keeps Apple’s typical upgrade momentum largely intact.
Still, iOS 26 is tracking slightly behind the previous releases at the same point in the update cycle. Over the same timeframe last year, iOS 18 reached 76 percent adoption on iPhones from the past four years. iOS 17 also sat at 76 percent at a comparable stage. In other words, iOS 26 is only two points behind—but for Apple, even a small shift stands out because iPhone software updates usually follow a very consistent adoption pattern.
So why the slower pace? While there’s no official explanation, the most likely factor is the new Liquid Glass design language. The refreshed interface has attracted a noticeable amount of debate, with a common complaint focusing on readability and legibility. Some critics argue the visual style places appearance ahead of clarity, which may be causing a portion of users to hold back—especially those who value a familiar, easy-to-read experience over a dramatic UI change.
Even with the mixed reception around Liquid Glass, iOS 26 isn’t just about visual changes. It also delivers several practical customization options and quality-of-life features that give users more control over how their iPhone behaves day to day, including:
A setting to toggle the Liquid Glass UI
An option to disable the lock screen swipe action that previously opened the camera
A “slide to stop” gesture for alarms
A screen flash notification alert
The ability to adjust the transparency of the lock screen clock
Overall, iOS 26 adoption remains high, and the difference compared to iOS 18 and iOS 17 is modest—but noticeable. If Apple refines the Liquid Glass presentation and addresses legibility concerns in future updates, the adoption curve could still tighten and potentially match prior iOS versions as more users feel comfortable making the switch.
