iOS 26 has seen a surprisingly slow rollout according to web traffic analytics from early 2026. While previous major releases like iOS 18 and iOS 17 achieved adoption rates of 63% and 54% respectively by January of their release years, current figures show that combined versions of the new software—including 26.1 and 26.2—total roughly 16.3%. This discrepancy suggests a significant portion of the iPhone user base is intentionally delaying the transition to the latest operating system, marking a departure from Apple’s historically rapid update cycles.
Table of Contents
iOS 26 visual redesign and feedback
iOS 26 introduced a major interface overhaul known as “Liquid Glass,” which has received polarizing feedback from the community. Many users find the aesthetic changes to be a step backward in terms of usability or simply prefer the familiar layout of iOS 18. Because this redesign is a core component of the update, users who are dissatisfied with the new look have little incentive to move forward. Additionally, since Apple is still providing security patches for iOS 18, there is less immediate pressure for users to upgrade to stay protected against vulnerabilities.
iOS 26 features and consumer interest
iOS 26 includes several functional upgrades such as a dedicated Apple Games app, an Adaptive Power mode, and expanded Apple Intelligence tools. However, these additions have not proven to be “must-have” features for a large segment of the population. Unless a user specifically requires the latest AI enhancements or the new gaming interface, they may feel that the current version of their software is sufficient. This lack of a “killer feature” combined with the controversial redesign has led to the stagnation in adoption rates as Apple begins looking toward the development of its next major iteration.
