Android version adoption sees slight progress

It has been a while since Google provided us with an update on the distribution of Android versions, but we finally have new data to analyze. The last time we got a glimpse of how Android versions were faring was back in May, and the results were less than ideal. Fast forward five months, and the landscape has evolved, with Android 13 now reigning supreme, closely followed by Android 12. However, the mention of Android 14 is still premature, and we’ll delve deeper into these developments shortly.

The Latest Trends in Android Version Distribution

Once upon a time, Google used to update Android version distribution data every month, allowing us to track how updates spread among users. However, this practice was abandoned a few years ago, leaving us with the anticipation of two yearly updates within Android Studio. The latest update, as of October 1, 2023, is here, and it provides valuable insights into the current state of Android versions.

The Android Version Landscape

Android 13 has been in the picture for over a year now, and it’s no longer the most recent Android version following the relatively recent launch of Android 14. Keep in mind that the latest Android version distribution data dates back to October 1, just a few days before the official release alongside the Pixel 8, making it highly unlikely for Android 14 to appear in the data.

As for Android 13, it has seen significant growth in the five months since the last data update, with a 7.4% increase in market share. This jump propelled it three places up the ranks to become the most used Android version. At the time of Google’s measurement, Android 13 was present on a staggering 22.4% of active Android devices.

What’s particularly intriguing is that Android 12, the successor to Android 11, didn’t secure the second spot. Android 11 takes that position, residing on 21.6% of active devices, surpassing the 15.8% share held by Android 12. Surprisingly, Android 10 has also surpassed Android 12, capturing 16.1% of active devices.

Moving further down the list, Android Pie still holds a significant share at 10.5% of the market, and from that point onwards, the older versions quickly deflate. Android Oreo is on 7.3% of devices, while the previous versions, including Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop, hover around 2%.

The fact that, a year after its launch, the most recent Android version (excluding Android 14) is present on less than a quarter of active devices may not be great news. However, a quick glance into the archives of Android distribution reveals that things were even worse in the past. For instance, a year after its launch, Oreo was only on 14% of mobile devices.

Android Versions Sorted by Market Share

Let’s take a closer look at the different Android versions, arranged by their market share:

1. Android 13 (22.4%): Android 13 now holds the top position with a substantial market share of 22.4%.
2. Android 11 (21.6%): Surprisingly, Android 11 claims the second spot, slightly edging out Android 12.
3. Android 10 (16.1%): Android 10 has maintained its presence on a significant portion of active devices.
4. Android 12 (15.8%): Android 12 has been overtaken by Android 11 and Android 10 in terms of market share.
5. Android Pie (10.5%): Android Pie, an older version, still manages to secure a double-digit market share.
6. Android Oreo (7.3%): Android Oreo lingers at 7.3% of active devices.
7. Android Nougat (2.6%): Older versions like Nougat continue to hang on to a small share.
8. Android Marshmallow (1.9%): Marshmallow’s presence remains modest.
9. Android Lollipop (1.4%): Lollipop is among the less commonly used versions.

When we consider the latest Android versions, Android 10, 11, 12, and 13 collectively account for 75.9% of the total distribution. This reflects a 3.7% increase from the data collected five months ago, indicating that while it’s not a massive shift, there is some progress in the adoption of newer Android versions.

The Android Evolution: A Closer Look at the Data

Now that we’ve examined the current Android version distribution, let’s delve into the implications and trends behind these numbers.

Android 13’s Rise to the Top

Android 13’s ascent to the top spot in the Android version distribution is a significant development. This version has been available for over a year, and its popularity continues to grow. It is a testament to Google’s commitment to delivering regular updates and improvements to its operating system.

The close proximity of Android 14’s release further highlights the importance of keeping Android devices up to date. Users are eager to experience the latest features and improvements, and this demand contributes to the rapid adoption of newer versions.

The Unexpected Triumph of Android 11

Android 11’s surprise leap to the second position is worth noting. While newer versions like Android 12 and Android 10 were expected to dominate, Android 11 has maintained a strong foothold. This could be attributed to the stability and reliability of Android 11, making it a preferred choice for many users.

Android 12’s Challenge

Android 12, despite its innovative features and user interface enhancements, has fallen behind Android 11 and Android 10 in terms of market share. This outcome serves as a reminder that enticing users to upgrade to a new version can be a challenging task. It requires convincing users that the benefits of the upgrade outweigh any potential inconveniences or learning curves.

A Notable Presence of Older Versions

The fact that older versions like Android Pie, Oreo, Nougat, Marshmallow, and Lollipop still command a considerable share of the market demonstrates the diversity and fragmentation in the Android ecosystem. While the latest versions offer the best in terms of features and security, many users continue to rely on these older iterations.

Progress in Adoption

Although the increase of 3.7% in the combined market share of the latest Android versions may seem modest, it signifies a positive trend in the industry. More users are gradually transitioning to newer Android versions, benefitting from enhanced security, performance, and features. This progress highlights the importance of Android manufacturers and carriers in facilitating timely updates and supporting a broader range of devices.

The Road Ahead

The distribution of Android versions is an ever-evolving landscape. With each new release, users eagerly anticipate what enhancements and innovations Google will bring to their devices. The ongoing challenge for Google and the Android ecosystem as a whole is to ensure that as many users as possible can access and benefit from the latest Android versions. This not only empowers users with better experiences but also strengthens the overall security and compatibility of the Android platform.

The problem of Android version distribution and how it affects the user experience

Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system, with over 3 billion active devices. However, one of the biggest problems with Android is the fragmentation of its version distribution. This means that there is a wide variety of Android versions in use, with some devices running very old versions of the operating system. This fragmentation can have a negative impact on the user experience, as it can lead to security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and performance problems.

Why is Android version distribution so fragmented?

There are a number of reasons why Android version distribution is so fragmented. One reason is that Google does not release Android updates directly to users. Instead, it releases updates to device manufacturers, who are then responsible for releasing the updates to their devices. This process can take months or even years, depending on the manufacturer.

Another reason for Android fragmentation is the sheer number of Android devices on the market. There are over 100,000 different Android devices in use, and each device has its own unique hardware configuration. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to test and release updates for all of their devices.

Finally, some users are simply reluctant to update their devices to the latest version of Android. This may be due to concerns about battery life, performance, or compatibility with their favorite apps.

How does Android version fragmentation affect the user experience?

Android version fragmentation can have a negative impact on the user experience in a number of ways.

Security vulnerabilities

Older versions of Android often have security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. This means that users who are running older versions of Android are more vulnerable to malware attacks and other security threats.

Compatibility issues

New apps and games are often developed for the latest version of Android. This means that users who are running older versions of Android may not be able to use the latest apps and games. Additionally, some apps and games may not work properly on older versions of Android.

Performance problems

Older versions of Android may not be able to take advantage of the latest hardware features. This can lead to performance problems, such as lag and slow app loading times.

What can be done to address the problem of Android version fragmentation?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of Android version fragmentation.

Google can do more to pressure manufacturers to release updates quickly

Google could put more pressure on manufacturers to release updates to their devices quickly. This could be done by requiring manufacturers to sign an agreement that commits them to releasing updates for a certain period of time. Additionally, Google could provide financial incentives to manufacturers who release updates quickly.

Google can make it easier for manufacturers to test and release updates

Google could make it easier for manufacturers to test and release updates by providing them with more resources and tools. For example, Google could provide manufacturers with a cloud-based testing platform that would allow them to test updates on a variety of devices without having to purchase physical hardware.

Google can make it more attractive for users to update their devices

Google could make it more attractive for users to update their devices by developing tools that make the update process easier and safer. For example, Google could develop a tool that would automatically back up a user’s data before installing an update. Additionally, Google could educate users about the benefits of updating their devices.

How can users protect themselves from the negative effects of Android version fragmentation?

There are a number of things that users can do to protect themselves from the negative effects of Android version fragmentation.

Keep your device up to date

The most important thing that users can do is to keep their devices up to date with the latest version of Android. This can be done by checking for updates regularly and installing them as soon as they are available.

Be careful about which apps you install

Users should be careful about which apps they install on their devices. They should only install apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store. Additionally, users should read the reviews of apps before installing them.

Use a security app

Users should use a security app to protect their devices from malware and other security threats. Security apps can scan apps for malware and block malicious apps from being installed.

Conclusion

Android version fragmentation is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on the user experience. Google, manufacturers, and users all have a role to play in addressing this problem. Google can do more to pressure manufacturers to release updates quickly and make it easier for them to test and release updates. Manufacturers can release updates more quickly and make it easier for users to update their devices. And users can keep their devices up to date, be careful about which apps they install, and use a security app.