A new study has shed light on why a significant number of iPhone users are still holding back from installing iOS 26, even months after its public release. According to a January 2026 survey conducted by SellCell among 2,000 adult iPhone users in the United States, 22% of respondents have not yet upgraded to Apple’s latest mobile operating system, despite it being available since September.
One of the most surprising findings is that the top reason for not upgrading is simple awareness. A notable portion of users either did not know iOS 26 was available or assumed their iPhone would update automatically without manual input. This highlights a gap in user understanding of Apple’s update process, especially among less tech-savvy users who expect seamless background updates.
Beyond awareness, performance-related concerns remain a major factor. Many respondents cited fears of reduced battery life after updating, a concern that has followed major iOS releases for years. Closely related is the worry that older iPhone models may feel slower after installing iOS 26. These concerns are not entirely unfounded, as past updates have occasionally drawn criticism for impacting battery health and overall performance, particularly on aging hardware.
Design preferences also play a role. iOS 26 introduced Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface, which brought a refreshed visual style across the system. While some users appreciate the modern look, others dislike the aesthetics or find the interface harder to read. For these users, the visual changes alone are enough reason to delay or completely avoid the update.
The survey also found that 61% of iPhone users do not install major iOS updates immediately. Instead, most prefer to wait and see if early adopters report serious bugs or widespread issues. Some users only update when prompted repeatedly by the system, while others wait until an update becomes mandatory for app compatibility or security reasons.
Interestingly, only 28% of those surveyed said they had no concerns at all about iOS 26. This means a clear majority—72%—have at least one hesitation. Alongside battery life and performance worries, some users are concerned about the lack of an easy downgrade option. Once updated, reverting to an older iOS version is difficult or impossible for most users, which makes them cautious about taking the leap.
Overall, while iOS 26 has achieved strong adoption numbers compared to older versions, the study shows that skepticism remains. Concerns about battery life, performance slowdowns, and the divisive Liquid Glass design continue to hold some users back, proving that even major Apple updates still face resistance from a cautious user base.
