Android 13 has become the most widely used iteration of the Google operating system.

Android 13 is currently the most widely used version of Google’s mobile operating system, reaching this milestone just one year after its launch, which is quite unusual. Google recently disclosed data on the prevalence of different Android versions on devices in October, as reported by GizChina.

Android 13 is currently the most widely used system version.

The most recent data on Android version distribution, as reported by Abdullah from GizChina, is from October 1, 2023. Android 13 is currently the most widely used version, found on 22.4% of active Android devices. The popularity of Android is not solely because it is the latest version, with the exception of Android 14 which was recently released alongside Pixel 8.

Android 12 ranks third in popularity among active devices, with Android 11 in second place and Android 10 being more popular than Android 12.

Android 9 remains at 10.5% market share, but older versions like Android 8, 7, 6, and 5 have lower shares, with Android 8 at 7.3% and the others at 2%.

Presence ranking of each Android version on active mobile devices

View the October 2023 stats on the prevalence of Android versions across active smartphones.

1. Android 13 accounts for 22.4%
2. Android 11 accounts for 21.6% of the market share.
3. Android 10 is used by 16.1% of users.
4. Android 12 accounts for 15.8% of the market share.
5. Android 9 Pie is used by 10.5% of users.
6. Android 8 Oreo is used by 7.3% of Android users.
7. Android 7 Nougat is only used by 2.6% of users.
8. Android 6 Marshmallow is only being used by 1.9% of users.
9. Android 5 Lollipop is only on 1.4% of devices.

Why is the distribution of Android versions so scattered?

The distribution of Android versions is fragmented due to various factors. One key reason is the way updates are released, as Google provides updates to manufacturers who then determine how and when to release them for their products.

There is a wide variety of device models available on the market, each with its own unique hardware setup, posing challenges for companies to test and release updates across all devices.

Not everyone updates their device’s operating system due to concerns about battery life, performance, and compatibility with certain apps.

Paraphrased text: Origin