Every year, a new iOS release brings a wave of excitement among iPhone users. Apple’s software updates usually promise fresh features and improvements that tempt users to upgrade as soon as the update lands. iOS 26 seemed poised to follow the same path, especially since it introduced one of the biggest visual overhauls in recent years. Yet, despite all that potential, the adoption rate of iOS 26 has been noticeably slower than what Apple is used to seeing.
Usage data report published by StatCounter for January 2026 indicated that only around 15 to 16% of active iPhones across the world are running any version of Apple’s iOS 26.
One of the reasons this slowdown is surprising is because iOS 26 was kind of a big deal. The update introduced Liquid Glass, a brand-new design language that added translucent layers, fluid animations, and a more modern aesthetic across the system. It was a bold change, and on paper, it sounded like the kind of update that would instantly win people over. However, once it rolled out, many users didn’t seem too keen to make the jump.
So what’s holding people back?
Mixed Reactions to the Liquid Glass Design
While Liquid Glass looks visually impressive, not everyone loves using it day to day. Some users feel the new transparent elements make the interface harder to read, while others think it prioritizes style over practicality. On older iPhones, the new visuals may also feel heavier, leading users to worry about performance or battery life.
Too Many Bugs at Launch
Another major reason for the slow adoption appears to be stability issues in the initial release. Early adopters reported bugs ranging from UI glitches and app crashes to battery drain and inconsistent animations. As word of these problems spread online, many users likely chose to wait for a more polished version rather than risk dealing with early-stage issues and many users gave up on updating to iOS 26 altogether.
Lack of Standout, Must-Have Features
Beyond the design changes, Apple’s iOS 26 doesn’t offer many features that feel essential. For users whose current iOS version already works smoothly, the update doesn’t provide a strong reason to upgrade immediately.
Continued Support for Older iOS Versions
Apple has also continued to provide security updates for older versions of iOS. In the past, losing security support pushed many users to upgrade quickly. This time around, people can afford to wait, knowing their devices remain protected even without iOS 26.
A Quieter Push from Apple
Another interesting factor is Apple’s own approach. Typically, Apple heavily promotes new iOS updates through automated notifications, however, with iOS 26, that push has been noticeably less.
Apple’s iOS 26 did not live up to expectations that it had arrived with, and unfortunately, this does not seem like a case of —“Slow and steady wins the race” either. Whether future updates will change public perception remains to be seen, but for now, many iPhone users seem content to stay right where they are.
