 "Apple has been quiet about how many users have opted into Apple Intelligence, but the addition of AI capabilities could be intriguing enough to entice some iPhone owners to update their devices. Image: Apple")
Apple recently shared its latest iOS adoption figures, revealing that iOS 18 is now running on 68 per cent of all iPhones as of January 21. This marks a slight increase from last year’s iOS 17 adoption rate, which stood at 66 per cent at the same time. For iPhones released in the last four years, 76 per cent are running iOS 18, matching the adoption rate for iOS 17 in January 2024. The figures suggest that while the adoption of new software updates continues at a steady pace, the numbers aren’t drastically different from the previous year.
However, Apple is also seeing slight increases in the adoption of iPadOS 18, with 53 per cent of all iPads now running the new operating system, up from 53 per cent of iPads on iPadOS 17 last year. Among iPads released in the last four years, 63 per cent are using iPadOS 18, slightly ahead of the 61 per cent of iPads on iPadOS 17 early last year. While the increases are not huge, they indicate a steady update cycle for both iPhone and iPad users.
Apple Intelligence, the possible driver for the uptick
While the uptick in iOS adoption rates seems modest, it’s possible that Apple Intelligence, the company’s new suite of generative AI features, is helping to bring in more users. Apple has been quiet about how many users have opted into Apple Intelligence, but the addition of AI capabilities could be intriguing enough to entice some iPhone owners to update their devices.
These generative AI features, which offer a new layer of functionality, might be contributing to the growing appeal of iOS 18.
Changes in the iOS 18.3 beta
Apple has made a notable change in the latest iOS 18.3 beta, with the company enabling Apple Intelligence features by default during the device onboarding process. Previously, users had to opt-in to these features during setup.
Now, they are automatically activated, though users still have the option to opt-out. This change suggests that Apple is looking to boost the adoption of its AI tools, making it easier for users to access them.
Speculation on adoption rates
As the company has not revealed detailed figures about how many users have opted into Apple Intelligence, we can only speculate on its impact. With AI features being made more accessible and easy to adopt, it’s likely that more users will explore these tools as they get familiar with them.
As iOS 18.3 may be released as soon as next week, the changes could lead to further adoption, especially with the default setting for Apple Intelligence activation during setup. This could be Apple’s strategy to make generative AI a more integral part of the iPhone experience moving forward.