Android 10, 11 are more popular than Android 12: Here’s why

Android is one of the two most popular smartphone operating systems today. Not just that, the OS is also frequently found on TVs, tablets and other devices, and this diversity is for good reason. The Google-made OS is easy to use, very flexible and versatile, allows a far greater degree of customisation compared to other platforms, and runs well even on devices with low-end specs. That said, one aspect where Android phones don’t exactly shine is updates.

Since many brands use the open-source Android platform as a base for their own interfaces, updates on an Android phone are completely controlled by these brands, and not Google directly. The result? A scattered mess where any Android  device you pick up could be just as likely to sport a dated version of the OS as the latest one.

Google’s official stats, spotted first by Android Authority, suggest that while Android 13 is the most-used version of Android right now, its immediate predecessor isn’t number two on the leader board. In fact, Android 12 sits at number four, behind Android 13, Android 11 and Android 10.

Why does this happen?

To understand why the popularity of Android versions isn’t more streamlined, we need to dive deeper into how updates work on Android. Majorly, every Android smartphone follows its own update cycle. Samsung’s newer phones get four years of system updates, while phones from other brands may get a maximum of two.

ALSO READ: Android 14: Top features you can expect

Brands like Nothing offer three years of updates on its devices. OnePlus, another popular brand, underwent a change in its codebase a couple of years ago, making newer OxygenOS updates feel a lot like ColorOS and RealmeUI. Xiaomi, is completely changing its software mantra by replacing the signature MIUI with HyperOS.

Again, within these complexities, is the additional variable of timelines. Not all phones of a brand will receive a new update at the same time. Flagships and newer models get newer updates first, while devices in the back of the line may take a whole year to get to an update, which isn’t really the newest version by then. These inconsistencies lead to most Android smartphones (even from one brand) running different versions of Android at any given point in time.

Another reason that may also play a part is the stigma around system updates and changes. Most families will know at least one smartphone user who frowns at the idea of a system update. Some may not understand the importance of it, while others may simply be afraid of major UI changes. The older, non-tech savvy userbase isn’t always looking at the latest cutting-edge features. Instead, they seek a stable, consistent experience.

This also affects developers, who have to cater to not just plenty of OEM-specific UIs, but also multiple Android versions. For instance, developers of apps like WhatsApp or games like PUBG Mobile have to frequently update these apps to support everything from a Samsung Galaxy A-series phone running Android 13-based OneUI 5, to Redmi Note-series phone running Android-12-based MIUI software.

What Android can learn from iOS updates

The advantage of Apple producing fewer phones, and baking its own software is that the company has total control over hardware and software. Hence, all iPhones get new stable iOS version updates at the same time, on the same day. Everything from the design language of most iPhones to the software experience on them is kept fairly consistent. This helps developers focus more on optimisation and quality.

ALSO READ: Android green dot: What it is and why it could be a problem?

Of course, the solution for Android is not as simple as walking the iOS path. This is because the sheer number of Android phones that launch every year from every budget to every brand far exceeds the four new iPhones we get each year. Instead, what Google should be working on is making the updates more consistent.

Moreover, brands may have to take a collective approach to doing system updates better, which will ensure people flock to newer versions at the same time, which again may also change the perception of updates among the non-tech-savvy.

Meanwhile, the Android 14 update is yet to come to most smartphones, but you can still check out what to expect with Android 14 ahead of the OTA update notification popping up in your notification panel.