Seven months after its Android 16 release, Google has updated its device distribution chart. The data, collected in December 2025, shows that 7.5% of active Android devices are running the latest version. This update lags behind Apple's iOS adoption rates, but the Android ecosystem's fragmentation makes updates more complex.

Android 15 leads with 19.3% adoption, followed by Android 14 (17.2%) and Android 13 (13.9%). Android 16 is in seventh place, behind older versions like Android 11, 12, and 10. The open-source nature of Android complicates the update process, as manufacturers customize the OS for individual devices.

This slower adoption rate is a consistent trend in the Android space, where numerous manufacturers and devices exist. Each company must adapt the OS, test for compatibility, and push out updates, which takes time. The data reflects the real-world challenges of maintaining software consistency across a diverse hardware ecosystem.

Expect Android 16's adoption to steadily increase in the coming months as more devices receive updates. While the current numbers might seem low, they are typical for Android. As the OS matures, more users will eventually experience the latest features and security enhancements.