Five months after launching to the public, iOS 9 has now been installed on 77 percent of active iOS devices as of February 22, according to the newest chart shared by Apple on the App Store support page.

That adoption rate has remained static at 77 percent since the last update on iOS numbers occurred on February 8. Compared to the first adoption rate status update of the year on January 11, iOS 9 has climbed a total of 2 percentage points from 75 percent of active device installations.

iOS 9 adoption rate february
Although adoption has stagnated right now, the numbers are expected to increase in the coming months with new device launches and activations surrounding the rumored mid-March media event. In a similar period last year, iOS 8 sat at 72 percent in early February, and rose to 81 percent in April thanks to the Apple Watch. Later in September, a few days ahead of the launch of the new iPhones and iOS 9, iOS 8 hit an adoption rate of 87 percent.

In the numbers posted this week, iOS 8 still holds a 17 percent share of device activations, dropping from 19 percent in January. Earlier versions of Apple's operating system now sit at 6 percent of the chart, down from 7 percent in the January 11 numbers.

Earlier in the week, Apple seeded the fourth beta for iOS 9.3 to public testers and developers. The incremental update will still be a notable one, with additions including a Night Shift mode, updates to 3D Touch's Quick Actions, the ability to pair with more than one Apple Watch, and a bunch of other all-new features.

Related Forum: iOS 9

Top Rated Comments

Pfunstuff Avatar
130 months ago
That 6% better update before the FBI can get into their phones easier.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Crosscreek Avatar
130 months ago
A lot of people that have older devices just don't want to upgrade software because it will slow down their devices and have stuff they really don't feel they need.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TechZeke Avatar
130 months ago
I'm getting tired of the constant nagging to upgrade when an update is available.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AFEPPL Avatar
130 months ago
If users were given a choice i bet the picture would be radically different...esp in the earlier part of the pie.
Give me back iOS 7... 8 and 9 and just pants.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AFEPPL Avatar
130 months ago
I'm getting tired of the constant nagging to upgrade when an update is available.
I'm with you brother, but I'm not upgrading anymore.
I'm planning on keeping the OS that the device ships with, given anything else basically destroys the user experience.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BillyMatt87 Avatar
130 months ago
I miss iOS 6
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...