Google has finally revealed its most recent Android distribution numbers, which are based on data collected through December 2025. This gives us a way to see which versions are actually running on the billions of devices around the world. Below you will find which is the most popular Android version in 2026 (market share) and where the others are in the top.
Android 15 the most popular version in 2026, Android 16 expanding quickly
As 9to5Google reports, the Android 15 version is the big winner here with 19.3% of the global market share. Even though this is a lower “peak” than we usually see for the top version, it shows that the platform is becoming more diverse. Android 14, which was the most popular last year, is in second place with a strong 17.2% share.
Perhaps the most interesting takeaway is the performance of Android 16. Despite having only been available for a relatively short time, it has already secured a 7.5% share of all active devices. This relatively rapid adoption is largely thanks to a fast-tracked rollout schedule.
Of course, Google Pixel users were the first to get the update, but it didn’t stop there. Samsung started rolling out the Android 16-based One UI 8 last September. Then, in the second half of 2025, brands like Oppo, OnePlus, and Nothing released their updates. This coordinated effort by manufacturers helped the newest version have an effect much faster than the older ones.
| Android version | Percentage |
| 16 | 7.5% |
| 15 | 19.3% |
| 14 | 17.2% |
| 13 | 13.9% |
| 12 | 11.4% |
| 11 | 13.7% |
| 10 | 7.8% |
| 9 / Pie | 4.5% |
| 8.1 / Oreo | 2.3% |
| 8 / Oreo | 0.8% |
| 7.1 / Nougat | 0.4% |
| 7 / Nougat | 0.4% |
| 6 / Marshmallow | 0.4% |
| 5.1 / Lollipop | 0.3% |
| 5 / Lollipop | 0.1% |
A legacy that won’t quit
When we talk about Android updates, we often focus on the newest features. However, the data serves as a humble reminder that millions of people are still using “legacy” hardware. Android 13 and Android 11 versions remain surprisingly popular in 2026, sitting at 13.9% and 13.7% market share, respectively. Even older versions like Android 10 (7.8%) and Android 9 (4.5%) continue to hold steady. The scenario shows how resilient some devices are, even if they no longer receive the latest software bells and whistles.
One era has officially ended, however: Android 4.4 KitKat has finally vanished from the list. This version no longer meets the 0.1% threshold required for display.
These statistics are especially useful for developers. They help them create a roadmap for app compatibility. Knowing that nearly 20% of users are on Android 15 helps them decide which features to prioritize. For the rest of us, it’s a snapshot of a platform that is slowly becoming more efficient at getting the latest technology into the hands of users, one update at a time.
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