The latest Android distribution figures are in, and it seems as though Google’s still struggling to get its latest OS off the ground.
The new(-ish) Android 5.0 Lollipop OS currently powers just 5.4 per cent of devices globally, as revealed on Google’s Android developer site.
This figure comes five months after the software’s source code was originally made available, which is when third-party manufacturers would have started tinkering with it ahead of release on their own devices.
It’s good news for Google at least, as Lollipop was on a paltry 3.3 per cent of devices only last month.
While the uptake is slow, 2015 should certainly see a big boost in Lollipop distribution as flagship devices launch with the new software.
Recent examples of Lollipop-toting handsets include the HTC One M9, the Samsung Galaxy S6, and the LG G Flex 2.
So what software packages are the rest of the Android user-base running? Well Android 4.4 KitKat is currently the most popular, laying claim to 41.4 per cent of existing Android handsets.
The older Jelly Bean OS ranks just behind with a combined 40.7 per cent share across versions 4.1.x, 4.2.x, and 4.3.
Amusingly, Android 2.3.3 to 2.3.7 Gingerbread is next up with 6.4 per cent, which puts the frankly archaic software ahead of Lollipop.
Then there’s Android 4.0.3 to 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich with 5.7 per cent, and finally Android 2.2 Froyo with 0.4 per cent.
Related: Android 5.0 Lollipop Update: When will my phone get it?
Apple, meanwhile, saw 77 per cent of its user-base move to its latest mobile operating system, iOS 8, during a similar timeframe.
It must be noted, however, that Android users total somewhere north of one billion, which is far higher than Apple’s collective following.
It’s also important to remember than the Android platform is massively fragmented compared to Apple’s relatively small product roster. This means it’s significantly easier to roll out Apple updates compared to pushing new software on Android.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
