Only minority of iPhone, iPod owners using 3.1 firmware
updated 03:55 pm EDT, Thu September 24, 2009
Still represents good uptake, says ad firm
A relatively small number of iPhone and iPod touch owners are actually using the latest firmware, says AdMob. The advertising firm notes that in tracking ad requests made between September 15th and the 22nd, only 23 percent of devices were observed using iPhone 3.1. The figure is nevertheless described as representing a "significant uptake" compared to other firmware releases. The v3.1 update was only launched on September 9th.
A majority of devices, 51 percent, continue to use the v3.0 firmware that arrived at the same time as the iPhone 3GS. 19 percent have remained with v2.2.1, while 7 percent are using v2.2 or still earlier releases. AdMob notes that the likelihood of a person upgrading to new software is directly tied to whether they have an iPhone or iPod touch. Whereas 91 percent of iPhone ad requests come from v3.0 or v3.1 devices, the percentage shrinks to just 35 percent for Touches.
The discrepancy is blamed on Apple's policy towards the Touch, which requires that owners pay a fee for every major firmware upgrade. The extra cost could disappear in the near future, as the accounting rules blamed for the policy have been changed.
Lies, damn lies and statistics
09/24, 04:11pm reply
These numbers rely on users not only owning but running software than has AdMob ads in them.
aristotles
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Check for updates
09/24, 04:57pm reply
Also, the check for updates timers haven't kicked in for everyone. I often go a couple of weeks between synchronization. If I'm not experiencing a problem, then I likely won't update right away.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
No big reason to upgrade
09/24, 05:08pm reply
I haven't updated my iPhone firmware to 3.1 yet, though some apps are beginning to require it. There's been a fair share of stories about issues with it too. I'm also waiting to see how the whole tethering situation works out with AT&T some time this fall or winter.
howdesign
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2005
Why update?
09/24, 06:34pm reply
I have an itouch and use it to play music and let my kid watch videos on it. So why do I need to upgrade when it works great the way it is now, and it is free.
pt123
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
Agreed
09/24, 09:03pm reply
Since the touch lacks a camera, GPS, or compass the advantages of 3.1 over 2.2 are pretty slim. On the other hand, who cares if touch owners upgrade or not?
malax
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006
jailbreak
09/25, 02:59am reply
wait for a jailbreak fo 3.1, and you will see peoples upgrading ...
Treuf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 1999
Tethering
09/25, 09:13am reply
Why upgrade to 3.1 when it breaks tethering? Waiting for Ben to fashion a hack for 3.1, or for ATT to make it available.
efithian
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004