Android, the most widely used mobile operating system in the world, offers a plethora of versions, each designed with new features and improvements. Despite the frequent release of updates, some Android versions gain more popularity than others Potato. Understanding why certain Android versions stand out requires exploring several key factors:
1. Device Compatibility and Market Penetration
One of the main reasons some Android versions become more popular is their compatibility with a wide range of devices. Manufacturers often pre-install certain versions of Android on their devices, making these versions the most widely used. For example, Android 10 and Android 11 gained popularity because many flagship smartphones, including Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google, shipped with these versions pre-installed.
Moreover, older versions tend to stay popular for longer because many users don’t upgrade their devices frequently. If their smartphone is running smoothly on an older Android version, users might not feel compelled to upgrade, ensuring that older versions maintain their market share.
2. Stable Performance and Fewer Bugs
Some Android versions are remembered for their smooth and stable performance. Users tend to avoid upgrading if they fear that new versions might introduce bugs or performance issues. For instance, Android 6.0 Marshmallow was widely praised for its reliability, leading users to stay with it for years after newer versions were released. Stability builds user trust and keeps the version popular long after its release.
3. Long-Term Support from Manufacturers
Certain Android versions remain popular due to the extended support provided by manufacturers. Brands like Samsung and Google are known for offering long-term updates and security patches for certain versions, keeping them secure and relevant. Android 8.0 Oreo benefited from long-term support, keeping users on this version longer than usual.
Manufacturers of budget smartphones, in particular, sometimes delay or even skip updates, resulting in a large number of devices running older Android versions. This lack of upgrades extends the life cycle of older versions, making them more prevalent in the global Android landscape.
4. Custom ROMs and Developer Communities
A vibrant community of developers often makes certain Android versions more customizable and appealing to tech enthusiasts. Custom ROMs, like LineageOS, are based on popular Android versions, allowing users to experience extended features, better performance, and more frequent updates, even after official support ends. Versions like Android 4.4 KitKat remained relevant for years thanks to the active developer community creating optimized, bloat-free versions for older phones.
5. Significant Feature Upgrades
Android versions that introduce revolutionary features or significant performance enhancements often become instant favorites. Android 5.0 Lollipop introduced Material Design, which completely transformed the user interface, while Android 10 brought system-wide dark mode, a much-anticipated feature that gained instant popularity.
Similarly, versions that offer better security features or enhance battery life, like Android 9.0 Pie, appeal to both casual and power users. This results in a rapid adoption of these versions as users flock to take advantage of these game-changing features.
6. OEM Customizations
Many Android devices run versions customized by the phone’s manufacturer, known as OEM skins. Popular manufacturers like Samsung (with One UI), Xiaomi (with MIUI), and OnePlus (with OxygenOS) overlay their own custom designs and features on specific Android versions. If an OEM’s skin offers a highly polished and user-friendly experience, that Android version tends to gain more traction.
For instance, Android 11 became highly adopted thanks to Samsung’s One UI 3.0, which offered additional functionality, improved performance, and a refined user interface that appealed to many users.
7. Delayed Rollout of New Versions
While Google typically releases new Android versions every year, it can take time for these updates to reach devices globally. Carriers and manufacturers have their own timelines for testing and pushing updates, leading to a fragmented market where older versions maintain a significant user base. For example, many devices are still running Android 9 or Android 10 because the update to Android 12 or 13 has not yet been rolled out or tested by manufacturers and carriers.
This delay often keeps older versions in circulation for years, making them more popular by sheer numbers.
8. Regional Preferences and App Compatibility
Some regions prefer certain Android versions due to specific compatibility with local apps, services, or features. In developing markets, older Android versions may dominate because the hardware is less advanced, making newer versions too resource-intensive. Android 7.0 Nougat, for instance, maintained popularity in several regions due to its compatibility with a wide range of low and mid-tier devices.
Moreover, older versions may run apps more efficiently, leading users to stick to a stable version rather than upgrade to a new one that might cause compatibility issues with their favorite apps.
Conclusion
The popularity of certain Android versions stems from a combination of factors including device compatibility, performance stability, long-term support, and feature upgrades. While Google continually releases new versions, not all users rush to update, making older versions staples in the Android ecosystem for years. From OEM customizations to developer support and regional preferences, many elements contribute to why some Android versions remain more popular than others.
