The arrival of iOS 26 isn't generating the same enthusiasm as other major versions of Apple's operating system. Although the update has been available for months, a A considerable number of iPhone owners still haven't made the switchDespite the fact that their devices are compatible and that Apple has been ironing out errors with several minor revisions.
A recent study by SellCell, based on user surveys, puts numbers to a feeling that was already being perceived in forums and social networks: The adoption of iOS 26 is lagging behind that of iOS 18 in a similar period. Beyond the statistics, the report details the main reasons that are hindering the update.
A study reveals why many iPhones still don't have iOS 26
According to the SellCell report, compiled from a sample of approximately 2.000 iPhone usersAround 22% say they haven't yet installed iOS 26 even though their phone supports it. It's not a huge sample, but it's large enough to detect recurring trends and concerns among users.
The most striking thing is that, against all odds, the main problem isn't the new design or any initial errors. The study suggests that 28% of those surveyed simply didn't know that iOS 26 was availableIn other words, many of those still using older versions haven't updated simply due to a lack of information, not out of conscious rejection.
This data is particularly curious considering that iOS 26 has been in circulation for months and that update alerts are usually quite prominent. Even so, it seems that a portion of the public He doesn't pay attention to system warnings or he distrusts them.leaving the installation for later and, in many cases, forgetting about it altogether.
Meanwhile, the SellCell report also notes that Apple has not yet released official iOS 26 adoption figures, which would help put these percentages into context and allow for comparison with previous cycles. Until that happens, the general perception is based primarily on independent surveys and online discussions.
Liquid Glass: the new design that raises doubts
One of the most visible changes in iOS 26 is the introduction of Liquid Glass, the new design language It features transparencies, more aggressive blur effects, and a very different aesthetic from iOS 18. This change has reached virtually all Apple systems and has not left anyone indifferent.
Although the SellCell study shows that Liquid Glass isn't the number one reason for not updating, it does appear among the reasons given by those who are most reluctant. Many users fear that, with so many visual effects, the content becomes more difficult to readespecially in certain lighting conditions or on smaller screens.
Another recurring concern is the feeling that This new style cannot be completely disabledThe design, to a greater or lesser extent, is present throughout the entire system, and not all iPhone owners are comfortable with this aesthetic imposition. For some users, the change feels too abrupt compared to the understated elegance of iOS 18.
Aware of the noise generated, Apple has been reacting with various minor updates. Since the first versions of iOS 26, specific adjustments have been introduced for improve the readability of texts and buttonsespecially in sensitive areas such as the lock screen or notification center.
How Apple has tried to soften Liquid Glass
The initial version of iOS 26.0 already modified the way notifications are displayed, adding a dark translucent layer that It makes the text easier to read against very light or very busy backgrounds.The idea was to reduce the impact of the dynamic background without completely abandoning the new visual approach.
With iOS 26.1, Apple went a step further and incorporated the option to change the completely transparent background to a translucent one, which retains some of the style of iOS 26 but is closer to the previous behavior of iOS 18. This alternative makes many interface elements more recognizable at a glance.
Subsequently, in iOS 26.2, was added intensity control of transparenciesThis allows the user to adjust the intensity of the Liquid Glass effect. This is especially useful for clearly seeing the time, notifications, or widgets on the lock screen.
In addition, within the accessibility section, Apple includes additional settings that allow further reduce transparency and motion effectsFor those with vision problems or who simply prefer a more static and clear interface, these options help to mitigate many of the initial complaints.
With all these changes on the table, Liquid Glass remains a core part of iOS 26, but it's no longer as "extreme" as in the early betas. Even so, there are users who They don't fully trust it and prefer to stay in a more familiar environment.at least until Apple consolidates a more stable version with fewer visual glitches.
Performance and battery: the usual suspects in every update
Every time Apple releases a major new version of iOS, the same pattern repeats itself: Complaints are surfacing about performance drops and battery problems.iOS 26 has been no exception, and in the early stages, some users reported sporadic crashes, slight stutters when scrolling through the interface, and abnormal battery consumption.
The SellCell study shows that around 23-24% of those who have not updated cites the fear of losing fluency or autonomy as one of the reasons for staying away. It's not always about direct experiences: often, reading a few negative comments is enough for the average user to decide to wait for a few more versions.
It is worth remembering, however, that numerous comparative tests have shown that, in most compatible models, iPhones end up running faster with the latest versions of iOS 26, especially once the system has completed the internal processes of indexing and organizing data after the update.
Something similar happens with the battery. The first builds of iOS 26 were flagged by a higher consumptionespecially in the first few days after installation, when the system is performing background tasks. However, with the move to iOS 26.2 and later 26.2.1Many of those peak energy expenditures have been decreasing.
In any case, the reality is that No two uses of an iPhone are the same.The impact of an update depends on the apps installed, how many hours the screen is on, whether you play games a lot, whether you use your phone as a hotspot, and dozens of other factors. That's why, while some users see improvements, others perceive the exact opposite.
Why a “clean” facility can make all the difference
For those who have already installed iOS 26.2.1 and notice that the device is performing worse, there is a recommendation that usually yields good results: perform a clean installation of the systemIn practice, it involves restoring the iPhone to factory settings and setting it up again as if it were a brand new device.
This process can be started from Settings > General > Reset And it requires some patience, because it involves going back to Download all the apps and check the settings that were customized. Despite being cumbersome, it allows you to remove junk files and remnants of previous versions that, over time, can cause performance problems.
The important thing is that, if you work with iCloud, There's no reason why information should be lostCalendars, contacts, notes, reminders, photos, and videos are synchronized in the cloud and can be recovered without needing to restore a full backup, reducing the risk of carrying over old errors.
After a few days of normal use following this restoration, the system usually recalculates more accurately. actual battery status and average consumptionThis allows you to check if the problems you noticed really came from iOS 26 or from an accumulation of legacy data and settings.
In summary, for many advanced users, this clean installation has become a kind of "reset" recommended every so often, especially when upgrading to major versions like iOS 26 and seeking the greatest possible stability.
Those who prefer to stay on iOS 18… with Apple’s blessing
While Apple insists on bringing the majority of users to iOS 26, the company is aware that There is a significant group that prefers to remain on iOS 18We're not just talking about those who have old models that they can no longer upgrade, but also about those who, although able to make the leap, choose to stay in familiar territory.
For all of them, Apple has recently launched iOS 18.7.4This update focuses on security patches. It's intended for iPhones that aren't compatible with iOS 26 (such as the XS, XS Max, or XR) as well as for those who, by choice, don't want to adopt the major new update yet.
The existence of this parallel branch highlights that Apple It does not abruptly abandon previous versions.but continues to patch critical vulnerabilities for a reasonable period of time. This is especially relevant in Europe, where security regulations and user expectations are becoming increasingly stringent.
At the same time, work is already underway in Cupertino on iOS 27, a version that appears to be more visually consistent with the previous version.but with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and a More advanced SiriThe idea would be to repeat, in a way, what iOS 12 meant in its day in terms of stability: less fireworks and more refinement.
This context is causing many users, especially in Spain and the rest of Europe, to consider whether it's worth going through the iOS 26 changes now or if it's better to wait for a future iteration in which the system arrives more rounded and with fewer controversial graphical changes.
With all of the above, the current situation can be summarized in several clear groups: one group of users who have not updated due to pure lack of knowledge, another who are being cautious because fear of losing performance, battery life, or ease of useAnd a third group, even knowing that iOS 26 offers important improvements and patches, prefers to wait and see how the system evolves or stay on iOS 18 with the latest security fixes.
