Android is the most used operating system on the planet. In fact, it’s almost omnipresent in the mobile ecosystem. Even bygone Android versions like Nougat, Marshmallow, Lollipop, etc. have been able to build their individual fan following.
Meanwhile, Google is very punctual in releasing the market share of these Android versions on a monthly basis. This data gets uploaded to their developer portal and gives us a rough estimate of the most popular Android versions for the month. It helps the developers prioritize their resources for widely used Android versions, rather than wasting them on near out-of-date Android versions.
To get an estimated values of Android usage share, Google keeps an eye on active Android versions every month. Here are the most popular Android versions of October.
Most Popular Android Version May 2019
All hail Android Pie! Alive and Kicking
After a long halt of six months, Google has finally added in the new Android distribution figures. And just as we expected, Android Pie is here. The latest Android version has over 10.2% usage share. No wonder keeping track of which devices have received Android Pie is getting exhausting.
Besides the newbie, other Android versions are following the same trends; however, the figure jumps are quite bigger given the six month gap. Android Oreo has finally dethroned Android Nougat, becoming the most popular Android version. Meanwhile, Gingerbread and Jellybean are running neck to neck.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Pie |
9 |
10.4% |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
19.2%↓ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
16.9%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
14.5%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
28.3%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
6.9%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
3.2%↑ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.3% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.3%↑ |
Most Popular Android Version October 2018
Gingerbread Marching Towards Its Impending Doom
For over two months, Gingerbread tried to hold its place, but it could not hold any longer. The veteran Android version has dropped to 0.2% from the previous Android share of 0.3%.
For others, the trend remains the same. Ever since Android Oreo started rising at a rampant pace, others are seemingly dropping every month. A notable change is that Android Jellybean has dropped down to 3%. Somehow the Android Ice Cream Sandwich has managed to stay on 0.3% for more than three months.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
28.2%↓ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
21.3%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
17.9%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
21.5%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
7.6%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
3%↓ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.3% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.2%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version September 2018
Most Popular Android Version September 2018
Nougat is losing its hold (latest)
After a steep rise and holding its position, we are, at last, seeing a significant drop in Nougat’s Android platform share. The Android 7 has dropped by 1.5 percent in a single month. Nougat is not the only one; Marshmallow, Lollipop, KitKat and Jelly Bean, all have lost a small amount of Android platform share.
There is no stopping the Android 8 Oreo now. Since July, Oreo has jumped 7.1 percent, giving it a whopping 19.2 percent share in the Android usage share.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
29.3%↓ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
21.6%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
18.3%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
19.2%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
7.8%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
3.2%↓ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.3% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.3% |
Gingerbread takes us by surprise
Gingerbread has managed to survive another month. Last month, we got afraid for Android Gingerbread since it touched down to 0.2%. But the legendary version has reclaimed its May position with 0.3% Android platform share. For others, Oreo is still growing with now 14.6% market share. Nougat seems to have called it a month and others are following the same trend as before.
In the upcoming months, we might see Android Pie, the latest Android version from Google, on the distribution list. As of now, one can assume it is on the 0.1% mark since Google excludes versions from this list who have less than 0.1% distribution.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
30.8% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
22.7%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
19.2%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
14.6%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
8.6%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
3.5%↓ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.3% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.3%↑ |
Most Popular Android Version July 2018
Most Popular Android Version July 2018
Oreo takes up a huge leap
Where every Android version depreciated by one or two percent, Android Oreo is rapidly gaining on Nougat with a significant increase of 6.4% only over two months cross 12% in Android usage share. But Nougat is also not leaving its ground very soon. The most used Android version just dropped 0.3%.
With 0.1 % drops every month, Ice Cream Sandwich and Gingerbread are on the edge of getting out of the list altogether.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
30.8%↓ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
23.5%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
20.4%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
12.1%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
9.1%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
3.6%↓ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.3%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.2%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version May 2018
Most Popular Android Version May 2018
Nougat has trumped Marshmallow
The Android distribution number for this month is here and Nougat has become the most used version of Android operating system. Marshmallow, which used to hold the top spot, is rapidly losing its market and has tumbled down to 25.5%.
Oreo, on the other hand, seems to be catching up with the pace with almost 5% gain since it was launched. However, the remaining Android versions continue to lose their share this month.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
31.1%↑ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
25.5%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
22.4%↓ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
10.3%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
5.7%↑ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
4.3%↓ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.4%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.3%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version February 2018
Most Popular Android Version February 2018
Finally, Oreo runs on 1.1% of Android devices.
I am confused whether it should be called success or shame. If we talk about iOS, almost all of the support devices get updates within a week after the release of the new version. But we would take Android decentralized ecosystem into consideration here.
The success party should be given for Android Nougat which is now the most used Android version. After more than one and a half year of existence, it has managed to surpass Marshmallow. Although the margin is small for now, the difference will grow in the coming months.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
28.5%↑ |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
28.1%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
24.6%↓ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
12%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
5%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
1.1%↑ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.4%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.3%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version January 2018
Most Popular Android Version January 2018
Hey Marshmallow, Nougat is coming for you.
Our calendar has turned over for another year, but there is a small change in the market share for different Android versions, expected for Nougat. Eating chunks off Marshmallow, Lollipop, and KitKat, it has recorded a dramatic increase over the last couple of months, now running on around 26.3% of Android devices.
Android’s most recent version Oreo is yet to mark a presence with just 0.7% usage share after 5 months since its release. And regarding GB and ICS, it’s almost clear that their market share won’t change until users start ditching their old Android phones.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
28.6%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
26.3%↑ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
25.1%↓ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
12.8%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
5.6%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0, 8.1 |
0.7%↑ |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.5% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.4%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version December 2017
Most Popular Android Version December 2017
Oreo, you need to catch up
For the first time in months, we can see that no single version has the Android market share crossing 30%. A commendable increase has been made by Nougat, jumping around 4% in a single month. The newest dessert Android Oreo now runs on 0.5% of the devices, still most of them made by Google. And the older Android boys are constantly sacrificing their share for the newbies.
Next month, we will be able to see Android 8.1 in the picture as well. The launch of the Android Oreo Go edition might help Oreo grow faster than Android Nougat.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
29.7%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
26.3%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
23.3%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
13.4%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
5.9%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0 |
0.5%↑ |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.5% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.4%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version November 2017
Most Popular Android Version November 2017
Nougat getting stronger presence
In the month of November, Android 7.0 Nougat which is now more than a year old has gained respectable Android usage share numbers. The dessert has done so by taking a chunk off the Marshmallow, which is still the leader in the Android community. Also, we see a point rise in the popularity of Android O which is mostly running on Pixel and Nexus devices only.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
30.9%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
27.2%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
20.6%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
13.6%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
6.2%↓ |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.5%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.5%↓ |
| Oreo |
8.0 |
0.3%↑ |
Most Popular Android Version October 2017
Most Popular Android Version October 2017
Finally, we have Oreo in the picture.
With an escalation of 2%, last year’s Android Nougat remains the third most used Android version. There is also a small footprint of Android Oreo, thanks to the Pixel devices that were the earliest to receive the update. In the case of JB and ICS, the figure hasn’t changed, this indicates the manufacturers don’t have any plans to update these devices and they’ll eventually phase out as their owners upgrade to new devices.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
32%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
27.7%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
17.8%↑ |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
14.5%↓ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
6.6%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.6% |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.6% |
| Oreo |
8.0 |
0.2%↑ |
Most Popular Android Version September 2017
Most Popular Android Version September 2017
It’s still Marshmallow.
With just 0.1% reduction its usage share, Android Marshmallow is still the best selling dessert in Google’s bakery. Last year’s chocolaty treat Nougat was just behind KitKat in terms of popularity. And for ICS and Gingerbread, we are still seeing the 0.1% reduction per month.
Now, we also have Android Oreo in the picture, released in September only. So, it’s likely to see some Oreo numbers in next month’s Android usage share data. Considering the trends over the months, in the case of Marshmallow, which turns 3 in October, it would still be the king.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
32.2%↓ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
28.8%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
15.8%↓ |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
15.1%↑ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
6.9%↓ |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.6%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.6%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version August 2017
Most Popular Android Version August 2017
Hail Marshmallow, Nougat still catching up
The numbers for August are out and Android Marshmallow is heading forward with an increase of 0.5% in its share. As far a Nougat is concerned, the numbers are boosting every month and would reach a respectable figure by September. Android 8.0 is due for a launch this month, by the way.
The case of KitKat and Jelly Bean, as predictable, a reduction has been observed in their usage share and popularity. While ICS and Gingerbread are still surviving at 0.7% share.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
32.3%↑ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
29.2%↓ |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
16%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
13.5%↑ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
7.6%↓ |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.7% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.7% |
Most Popular Android Version July 2017
Most Popular Android Version July 2017
Finally, Nougat crosses 10% usage share mark.
It’s sort of an achievement for Android Nougat that after one year of existence the desert has managed to find a respectable place in Google’s bakery. Still, even at 11.5%, Nougat has a considerably lower share in the 2 billion monthly active devices.
Also, there has been an increase in the number of devices running Android Marshmallow. Probably, manufacturers of these devices woke to realize Marshmallow had arrived.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
31.8%↑ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
30.1%↓ |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
17.1%↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
11.5%↑ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
8.1%↓ |
| Ice-cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.7%↓ |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.7%↓ |
Most Popular Android Version June 2017
Most Popular Android Version June 2017
The heavyweight title has slipped from the hands of Android Lollipop in the month of June. Now, Android Marshmallow has the highest Android usage share which still remains at 31.2%. It also looks as if other Android bros have sacrificed their share for the struggling Nougat. Hopefully, it might cross 10% before Oreo arrives.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
31.2% ↑ |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
30.8% ↓ |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
18.1% ↓ |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
9.5% ↑ |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
8.8% ↓ |
| ICS |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.8% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.8% ↓ |
Most Popular Android Version May 2017
Most Popular Android Version May 2017
Android Nougat, you’re going way too slow
For the month of May, Lollipop can still be called the most popular Android version. Its usage share is the same but the number of devices running Android 5.1 has increased in comparison. There is also a small but surprising increase in the case of Android Gingerbread usage share, despite being older than ICS.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
32% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
31.2% |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
18.8% |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3.x |
9.1% |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
7.1% |
| Ginggerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
1% |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
0.8% |
Most Popular Android Version April 2017
Most Popular Android Version April 2017
Google recently announced the Android O Developer Preview, but its predecessor Nougat has yet to make a significant footprint in the Android. Nougat has started to steal small chunks of market share from other versions. Still, Lollipop and Marshmallow are representatives of the Android army for the month of April.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
32% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
31.2% |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
20% |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3 |
10.1 |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
4.9% |
| Ice-Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3 to 4.0.4 |
0.9% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
0.9% |
Most Popular Android Version March 2017
Most Popular Android Versions March 2017
In March, a decrease has been seen in the Android usage share of Lollipop, Kitkat, and Jelly Bean which has fueled the numbers of Nougat, and Marshmallow. Still, Android Lollipop is the most used version.
The adoption of Nougat has been slow, but numbers might rise in the coming months as various smartphone makers, including Motorola and Samsung, have started pushing updates.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
32.5% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
31.3% |
| Kitkat |
4.4 |
20.8% |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3 |
10.6% |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
2.8% |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3 to 4.0.4 |
1.0% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
1.0% |
Most Popular Android Version February 2017
Most Popular Android Versions February 2017
The usage share of Android Nougat has slightly increased since January. However, Lollipop still continues to remain the most used Android version.
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
32.9% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
30.7% |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
21.9% |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3 |
11.3% |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
1.2% |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3, 4.0.4 |
1.0% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 – 2.3.7 |
1.0% |
Most Popular Android Version January 2017
Most Popular Android Versions January 2017
| Android Name |
Android Version |
Usage Share |
| Lollipop |
5.0, 5.1 |
33.4% |
| Marshmallow |
6.0 |
29.6% |
| KitKat |
4.4 |
22.6% |
| Jelly Bean |
4.1.x, 4.2.x, 4.3 |
11.6% |
| Ice Cream Sandwich |
4.0.3 to 4.0.4 |
1.1% |
| Gingerbread |
2.3.3 to 2.3.7 |
1.0% |
| Nougat |
7.0, 7.1 |
0.7% |
The latest Android Nougat was released in August 2016. It is yet to arrive on many Android devices and achieve a considerable usage share in comparison to other Android versions. A lot has changed since the last time I wrote about this list on Fossbytes. Android Froyo 2.2 – discontinued in 2011 – has been removed from the list.
Note: The Android usage share for various Android versions have been clubbed according to their codename. You can visit Google’s developer portal to know the usage share for individual Android versions.
What Android version are you running on your smartphone? Drop your answer in the comments.
