The seemingly eye-catching Apple iOS system upgrade data conceals the reality of device fragmentation and user passivity. As many as 23% of users are stuck in the old system. The problems behind this are worthy of in-depth exploration.
The driving force behind the popularity of iOS 8
Official data from Apple shows that 77% of active iPhone and iPad users have upgraded to iOS 8. This 4 percent increase is primarily due to the shift in iOS 7 users, not older versions. The key driver for upgrading is the support of new hardware. For example, the Apple Watch must be paired with the iOS 8.2 system to be used.
Starting last week, devices that upgrade to iOS 8.2 will automatically have the Apple Watch app installed. Such a strategy of bundling software and hardware effectively promotes system updates. Apple relies on the strong connection between services and devices to invisibly set an upgrade path for users, full stop.
The real dilemma of users of old systems
Twenty percent of the devices are running iOS 7, and another three percent are stuck on iOS 6 or earlier. Not all of these users refuse to upgrade, many of them are because the device hardware is too old and cannot run the new system smoothly. For example, older models such as the iPhone 4 have been excluded from the iOS 8 support list.
For this group of users, they encounter lack of functionality and security risks, are unable to use new services like Apple Pay, and cannot obtain the latest security patches. This is actually a passive elimination in the context of rapid technology iteration.
The other side of the upgrade data
Data from third-party statistical agencies usually show that the actual proportion of iOS 8 users is higher than the official data given by Apple. This is because Apple’s data source comes from App Store visits and may not fully cover all active devices. In March last year, the penetration rate of iOS 7 was close to 90%. In comparison, the advancement speed of iOS 8 is not significantly ahead.
Since its debut in September last year, iOS 8 has witnessed many feature changes. The purpose of this move is to fix flaws and adapt to new services. Behind this lies the potential flaws of the first version of the system. Users must cope with tedious and frequent changes and patiently endure severe challenges.
Forced upgrade strategy for Apple Watch
The Apple Watch was launched for pre-order on April 10, 2015, and was officially released on the 24th. The rigid condition for pairing it with the Apple Watch was that the iPhone needed to be upgraded to iOS 8.2. This strategy directly boosted the system upgrade rate at a specific point in time.
Apple bundles system updates with popular new products by pushing exclusive applications at key points in time. This ensures that there is a large enough user base for compatibility when new products are released. At the same time, it also forces users to update the system in order to use new features.
The evolution direction of future systems
Currently in beta testing is iOS 8.3, which mainly adds features such as a new emoji keyboard. And iOS 9, which is expected to be announced at WWDC in June of the same year, is said to focus on optimizing system performance and improving stability, rather than adding a large number of new features, right?
The change may have been prompted by the obstacles to the iOS 8 upgrade and feedback from users. Apple has begun to realize that blindly pursuing the superposition of functions is very likely to sacrifice the experience of old devices. Turning to the direction of optimization may improve users' reputation and promote upgrades.
The impact of fragmentation on developers
As far as application developers are concerned, nearly a quarter of users are stuck on the old system. This is a challenge that cannot be ignored. During application development, they must take into account the compatibility of new features and old systems at the same time. This increases development costs and increases the complexity of testing.
Especially in emerging markets like China, the number of old equipment may be higher. Developers sometimes have to make a choice, either abandoning some old users or delaying the use of the latest development tools, which has an impact on the balanced development of the application ecosystem.
In your opinion, is the manufacturer's behavior that uses the launch of new hardware as a reason for users to upgrade their systems to be a necessary means to promote technological progress, or is it a form of deprivation of users' right to choose? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment area.
