iOS 26: Has Liquid Glass failed?
Could it be that former Apple designer Alan Dye’s swan song, Liquid Glass, has failed? Statcounter data seems to show that iOS 26 adoption lags that of previous operating system releases at this stage of the release cycle. It indicates that around 64.6% of users are still running iOS 18 — with just 16.3% on iOS 26.
This data suggests adoption to be far, far slower than we’ve seen before. In January 2025, more than 60% of users were already running some version of iOS 18; iOS 17 had surpassed 50% at the same point a year earlier. There’s such a huge divergence between the claimed iOS 26 adoption data and historical patterns, it’s hard to accept the figures.
Update: As it turns out, the Statcounter data is off — likely because WebKit no longer shares current OS version data in part of the user agent string Statcounter might be surfacing for this information.
So, is the data accurate?
Anecdotally, given the record iPhone 17 sales we’ve seen since the new iFamily launched, the latest claims feel somewhat counter-intuitive. As an alternative take, TelemetryDeck data sees 60% iOS 26 adoption, far more in keeping with Apple’s historical adoption patterns.
Statcounter is a reputable data source, however, which means there is now pressure on Apple to confirm or rebut these claims. The company already gathers its own information on OS adoption, which it publishes infrequently online in a document that hasn’t been refreshed since June 2025.
True or not, the data might echo some reluctance to embrace the new operating system. While it looks great, Apple’s Liquid Glass UI comes in for criticism, given it improves that sense of spatial hierarchy at the cost of some usability — for example:
Bookmarks in Safari on iPhone: Now you must squint to find the tiny “Bookmarks” button once you figure out where it hides.
On the Mac, you have a proliferation of tiny and chaotic Menu bar options that serve no real purpose beyond confusing the eye.
Such changes could reflect Apple’s desire to prepare the market for a more visionOS-computing paradigm, but critics argue that they get in the way of what already exists, rather than improving it. Advocates will likely point out that the approach boosts usability and accessibility, which is great. But maybe there’s a need for some tweaks? Perhaps those added menu items should be made optional?
Reasons to upgrade
It’s important not to overstate things. It’s perfectly normal for Apple’s customers to display a little resistance to change; we see it each time the company implements any. It’s also a little too early to declare Liquid Glass a dud on the basis of one data set. Apple will already know if the claims are true and can respond.
That means the company will continue working to encourage users to update to the new OS. For example, it is currently working on iOS 26.3, which will introduce an array of new and interesting features and services to the system, including Background Security Improvements (essential to every managed device), battery optimizations, Wi-Fi connectivity fixes and more. In Europe, the operating system will also include a range of regulator-forced changes, while many will benefit from much improved Android/iPhone switching tools.
Will Apple Intelligence change things?
Coming up, Apple’s biggest upgrade inducement is expected this spring, when the company should introduce significant upgrades to Apple Intelligence, including the long-awaited launch of contextual intelligence in Siri.
While we cannot be certain whether this will come as an upgrade to iOS 26, or be presented as a beta for iOS 27, there can be little doubt that many Apple customers will upgrade their iPhones to explore these new AI services.
Apple will want to impress them to justify the long wait and missed deadlines after years of being accused of falling behind on AI. That task isn’t’ going to be made any easier if the company is indeed facing reluctance from its customers to upgrade to its new operating systems. But it is fair to point out that Statcounter’s information seems to fall so far short of historical patterns that it could well reflect a change in how the information is curated, rather than any significant blip.
Apple can end this speculation with a small informational update to its developer website.
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