Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Android update numbers are improving — but fragmentation is far from solved.
In this deep dive, we break down the latest Android distribution stats for 2026, explain why Android 16 adoption is still low, and explore how OEM skins, budget phones, and user behavior continue to slow updates. We also look at Google’s secret weapon, Project Mainline, and whether Android updates even matter as much as they used to.
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- RODE NTG-3: amzn.to/3iidwNu
Jordan's favorite gear:
- Canon R8: amzn.to/3URdIIN
- Canon RF 50mm F1.8: amzn.to/3UGwIti
- Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone: amzn.to/3SIO6ej
- MacBook Pro 14-inch: amzn.to/3I6ZDPA
- Godox SL-60W: amzn.to/3wnmUu4
- NEEWER 72 Inch Tripod: amzn.to/49FZqP7
Timestamps
--
00:00 – Android distribution numbers explained
00:31 – Why fragmentation still matters in 2026
01:10 – Android 16 adoption is surprisingly low
01:58 – Android 15 leads the ecosystem
02:35 – Why OEMs are slow with Android 16 updates
03:29 – Samsung rollouts and carrier bottlenecks
03:45 – Android 14 still widely used
04:21 – Android 13 and the long-standing fragmentation problem
05:02 – Shockingly high usage of Android 12 & 11
06:02 – Why many users avoid system updates
06:24 – Tablets, POS systems, and non-phone Android devices
07:10 – Heavy OEM skins slowing Android updates
07:33 – The reality behind 7-year update promises
08:33 – Project Mainline: Google’s hidden fix for fragmentation
09:38 – Why Android 16 adoption should improve soon
10:25 – Old Android versions finally disappearing
10:47 – Android vs iOS update parity
11:11 – Are OS version numbers still important?
11:28 – Viewer discussion: which Android version are you on?
--
Android update numbers are improving — but fragmentation is far from solved.
In this deep dive, we break down the latest Android distribution stats for 2026, explain why Android 16 adoption is still low, and explore how OEM skins, budget phones, and user behavior continue to slow updates. We also look at Google’s secret weapon, Project Mainline, and whether Android updates even matter as much as they used to.
Love podcasts? Try Pixelated: A 9to5Google Podcast - https://pca.st/nj4u
Subscribe ► bit.ly/9to5G | Read full article ► 9to5google.com/2026/01/30/android-16-is-on-7-5-of-devices-in-latest-distribution-numbers-update
FTC: We use income-earning auto-affiliate links: 9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate
Want to sponsor the next 9to5Google video? Get in touch: partnerships@9to5g.com
## Follow us
instagram.com/9to5google
twitter.com/9to5Google
facebook.com/9to5Google
Damien: threads.net/@damienwildeyt
Jordan: twitter.com/JordanInTheKnow
🎥 Other channels 🎥
youtube.com/9to5Mac
youtube.com/electrekco
youtube.com/9to5Toys
youtube.com/dronedj
Damien's favorite gear:
- Panasonic Lumix S5 II X: amzn.to/3Vqce8E
- Panasonic 85mm f1.8: amzn.to/3rkwHdQ
- Sigma 28-70mm f2.8: amzn.to/4ahsoW2
- Godox SL-60W: amzn.to/3exGWGA
- RODE NTG-3: amzn.to/3iidwNu
Jordan's favorite gear:
- Canon R8: amzn.to/3URdIIN
- Canon RF 50mm F1.8: amzn.to/3UGwIti
- Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone: amzn.to/3SIO6ej
- MacBook Pro 14-inch: amzn.to/3I6ZDPA
- Godox SL-60W: amzn.to/3wnmUu4
- NEEWER 72 Inch Tripod: amzn.to/49FZqP7
Timestamps
--
00:00 – Android distribution numbers explained
00:31 – Why fragmentation still matters in 2026
01:10 – Android 16 adoption is surprisingly low
01:58 – Android 15 leads the ecosystem
02:35 – Why OEMs are slow with Android 16 updates
03:29 – Samsung rollouts and carrier bottlenecks
03:45 – Android 14 still widely used
04:21 – Android 13 and the long-standing fragmentation problem
05:02 – Shockingly high usage of Android 12 & 11
06:02 – Why many users avoid system updates
06:24 – Tablets, POS systems, and non-phone Android devices
07:10 – Heavy OEM skins slowing Android updates
07:33 – The reality behind 7-year update promises
08:33 – Project Mainline: Google’s hidden fix for fragmentation
09:38 – Why Android 16 adoption should improve soon
10:25 – Old Android versions finally disappearing
10:47 – Android vs iOS update parity
11:11 – Are OS version numbers still important?
11:28 – Viewer discussion: which Android version are you on?
--
