More than half of users now on the latest firmware

Nov 28, 2014 15:29 GMT  ·  By
Rendering: supermassive black hole (the type that can be found at the center of any decently-sized galaxy)
8 photos
   Rendering: supermassive black hole (the type that can be found at the center of any decently-sized galaxy)

Apple users continue to adopt the latest iOS version on their iPhones and iPads, but the spike recorded by Apple as of November 24 may also be attributed to a growing install base of new-generation iDevices.

iOS 8 has been steadily adding point after point for the past few weeks. Deployed in September alongside the iPhone 6, the firmware is supported not only on cutting-edge iDevices, but also on the older generation of iPhones, iPads, and even iPod touch players. Today, it's officially installed on over 60% of iDevices worldwide.

Slowly but surely

Because of some nasty distribution issues and a wide range of bugs, iOS 8 wasn’t off to a glorious start in September. Apple tried to patch things up with the user base by releasing point-1 incremental updates, but to no avail. Many were still skeptical to install, despite the user base growing steadily.

Only after iOS 8.1 rolled out was everyone inclined to finally download and install the new firmware, and iOS 8.1.1 mended even more of the reported flaws in the software. That’s not to say it’s flawless now. But at least it doesn’t cripple devices anymore.

According to reports, there’s still a Wi-Fi issue to be addressed in the new software. Apple is known to be working on iOS 8.2. However, we can’t imagine too many people still holding off their jump to iOS 8 because of the reported Wi-Fi issues. Plus, there’s a workaround now.

New adopters often means new devices

That’s right. Don’t be fooled by the wording in the reports telling you that iOS 8 just got more “adopters.” This is not like the follower count on Twitter or the Facebook likes. Most of the new points gained by iOS 8 nowadays are coming from new device buyers.

The delivery estimate for any new iPhone 6 today is about a week. Why do you think that is? It’s because these things are flying off the shelves faster than Apple’s factories in the Far East can build them. Which means there’s huge demand for these babies, and they all ship with iOS 8 pre-installed. We won’t even mention the iPad Air 2 or the iPad mini 3, both of which also sell with iOS 8 on them.

There are probably other metrics to look at as well, including owners of old-generation devices advised by friends to stay on iOS 7. Heck, some users are so adamant that they won’t let go of iOS 6 to this day.

Black hole and iOS stats (8 Images)

Rendering: supermassive black hole (the type that can be found at the center of any decently-sized galaxy)
iOS statsiOS 8 compatible devices
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