Is Liquid Glass Driving Users Away from iOS 26? The Truth is More Complex.
Are users really boycotting iOS 26 due to Liquid Glass? It's a complex issue, and the truth is more nuanced than it seems.
Recent reports have suggested that Apple's iOS 26 update is being installed at significantly lower rates than previous iOS updates. The immediate assumption is that users are avoiding the update because of the controversial Liquid Glass user interface redesign. But is that the whole story?
Adoption Rates: A Closer Look
Statcounter data indicates that iOS 26 is running on only 16.6% of devices, a stark contrast to the 70% adoption rate of iOS 18. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this data might not paint the full picture.
When comparing iOS 26 to iOS 18's adoption during the same period in the previous year, the drop-off is less dramatic. In December 2025, iOS 26 accounted for approximately 45% of iPhone pageviews, compared to iOS 18's 76% in December 2024. This difference is notable but not as drastic as initially believed.
Moreover, iOS 26 dropped support for older iPhone models like the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, which could further skew the adoption statistics.
The Role of User Agent Strings
A significant factor in the perceived low adoption rates of iOS 26 is the change Apple made to Safari's user agent string. Web analytics tools rely on these strings to gather device data, but Apple has frozen the iOS version in Safari's user agent string to reduce fingerprinting.
This means that Safari on iOS 26 reports an iOS version of 18.6 or 18.7, leading to an undercounting of iOS 26 devices in analytics. Only third-party browsers like Chrome and Edge report an iOS version of 26, but they represent a smaller portion of the user base.
Internal Data Insights
Our internal data analysis provides a different perspective. By examining Safari pageviews on iOS 18 and iOS 26, we found that adoption rates were relatively similar during the first full month of availability for each update. This suggests that early adopters weren't deterred by Liquid Glass.
However, the gap widened in the following months, indicating that regular users might be more hesitant to update. By December 2025, iOS 26 accounted for only 45% of iPhone Safari pageviews, compared to iOS 18's 76% in December 2024.
Security Updates and Liquid Glass Preferences
Apple's recent security updates for iOS 18 are only available for older phones that cannot run iOS 26. This means that users who want to stay secure and receive functional fixes will need to install iOS 26, regardless of their feelings about Liquid Glass.
Apple has provided options to tone down the Liquid Glass effect, such as the 'Tinted' option in iOS 26.1 and opacity controls in iOS 26.2. These adjustments can make the interface more palatable for users who prefer the previous design language.
The Bottom Line
While the initial reports of low iOS 26 adoption rates may have been exaggerated, there is still a noticeable slowdown compared to previous iOS updates. As we approach iOS 27, Apple will have the opportunity to address Liquid Glass-related concerns. Meanwhile, users who value security and functionality should consider updating to iOS 26, even if they're not fans of Liquid Glass.
What are your thoughts on the iOS 26 adoption rates and the Liquid Glass controversy? Do you think Apple should make significant changes to the user interface in future updates, or is it a matter of personal preference?
