Data trackers at Mixpanel have revealed that more than 90% of iOS users have installed iOS 14 since it was released last September. That’s a huge proportion and a testament to Apple’s easy upgrade process.
As you can see from the chart below, it took iOS 14 (green line) all of six weeks after launch to overtake its predecessor. Currently iOS 14 is sitting pretty at 90.45%, with around 5% of devices using iOS 13 (red line) and about the same running even older software (blue line).
This bodes well for Apple, for whom regular software updates are one of the key selling points of its ecosystem. Unlike Android smartphones, which are made by a number of different manufacturers with no direct link to the software chain, Apple supports its devices with the latest software for five years after release. The majority of Android devices would do well to stay up-to-date for even two years.
Read more: security and update comparison between Apple and Android devices
If you’re part of the minority that hasn’t updated to iOS 14 yet, there are plenty of good reasons to do so. There were big updates for Messages, Siri, Camera, and Notes. A new Wind Down feature for bedtime. A smarter Siri. Myriad improvements to user privacy. And a cool Handwriting/Scribble ability for iPad and Apple Pencil. See our iOS 14 refresher for more detail.
Besides all that, it’s worth updating just to ensure you have the latest bug fixes and security patches. Running an older version of iOS makes your device more vulnerable as it doesn’t include the very latest protections against hackers and other cyber threats.
Of course, some people haven’t updated because they’re still using an older model that’s incompatible with the latest software updates. But those users aside, unless you have a very specific reason for sticking with an older version, you should be updating.
Luckily it’s quick and easy to do – just head to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions.