According to StatCounter, approximately 50% of iPhone users have adopted iOS 26. While this signifies progress, it also reveals a notable reluctance among some users to update. A SellCell survey of 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in January 2026 provides insights into the reasons behind this hesitancy, which includes concerns about battery life, performance, and design changes.

Many users are hesitant to install new software updates. The survey indicates that 24.2% of respondents worried about battery life after upgrading, and 23.8% were concerned about overall performance. Design changes in Liquid Glass also caused issues. Furthermore, some users are wary of the difficulty in reverting to an older iOS version after the upgrade, which is a common concern among users.

This slower adoption rate follows a trend. The hesitancy suggests that Apple users are carefully considering the benefits and potential drawbacks of updating. The findings emphasize that a substantial portion of users delay or defer updates, often waiting to see if other users report issues before proceeding. For many, the update process is not a priority.

What happens next? As Apple continues to release updates, the company will likely need to address user concerns to encourage broader adoption. This includes optimizing performance, improving battery efficiency, and refining design elements. The coming months will be crucial for Apple to convince users of iOS 26's value.