Apple's latest iOS update, iOS 26, is facing slower adoption rates than its predecessors. Initial reports suggested that only 16.6 percent of devices had upgraded, compared to 70 percent for iOS 18. This slow uptake has sparked speculation that users are avoiding the Liquid Glass interface introduced in iOS 26.

However, data from Condé Nast websites paints a different picture. Their analysis shows a more modest drop in adoption, with iOS 26 accounting for about 45 percent of iPhone traffic in December 2025, down from 76 percent for iOS 18 in the same month the previous year. This discrepancy is partly due to Apple's decision to drop support for older models like the iPhone XS and XR, which were compatible with iOS 18.

The accurate measurement of iOS 26 adoption is complicated by changes in the user agent string in Safari. These changes, aimed at reducing user fingerprinting, have affected how web analytics tools like Statcounter identify devices. Apple's modifications have made it harder for these tools to distinguish between iOS 18 and iOS 26, leading to potential undercounting of iOS 26 devices.

As Apple prepares for iOS 27, the company will need to address these measurement issues to better understand user preferences and the impact of the Liquid Glass interface. This context is crucial for developers and users alike, as it influences future updates and user experience.