Most Android phones on Froyo or Eclair, Cupcake on decline

November 2, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka

Eclair is the most widely-used version of Android based on recent stats released by Google. In the past two weeks, 4 out of 10 phones that accessed the Android Market have been running Android 2.1 (Eclair). The next highest number is Android 2.2 (Froyo), which has 36.2 percent users.

Nearly 8 out of 10 Android users are using Eclair or Froyo, decreasing the pie of people running the egregiously older versions of Android. About 7.9 percent of Android users are on Android 1.5 (Cupcake) and 15 percent on Donut (Android 1.6). That number is likely to fall as both the myTouch 3G and Sony Xperia X10, Mini, and Mini Pro are in the process of being upgraded from Donut. The next time these numbers are reported, there should be an increase in Eclair (Xperia) and Froyo users (myTouch).

Sadly, this chart simply reminds us that some versions of Android are doomed to remain on their current versions of software. Motorola has several devices that show no sign of being upgraded to Froyo, let alone the upcoming Gingerbread, and continues to release devices with outdated software. HTC, Samsung, Dell, and LG also have phones on the market with old software, and carriers seem content to leave things that way.

[Google Developer]

Android, Android fragmentation, android os, Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, fragmentation, Froyo

5 Comments

James says:

November 2, 2010 at 10:57 am

Given the amount of time it's taken Sony Ericsson to upgrade to Eclair, I can't seen there being much hope of them upgrading any further and we'll be part of the doomed stuck on their version :*(
Sunny Singh says:

November 2, 2010 at 2:33 pm

This really pisses me off. HTC Aria was the only good Android phone on AT&T which is running 2.1. HTC leaving it to stay like that would really disappoint a lot of users, and I was hoping to stay on the latest OS version. And I know some people will tell me to switch carriers, but I'm only in High School, we stayed on AT&T as a family plan for a while, and I needed a cheap phone running Android. I have had no problems with it so far besides for removing AT&T's bloatware. I have found a way to sideload apps though.
Muhammed says:

November 2, 2010 at 7:30 pm

I made the mistake of buying a X10 Mini, Once i have upgraded, i will get rid of it and never ever buy a SE phone again. I will stick with HTC as they have upgraded most of their phones to FROYO. SE you have lost me and my family and friends and all people who ask me for advice for ever. If i see any change in their update policy I might consider coming back but cant see them changing, so why should I waste my money on them if they don't care about me.
- Paul says:
  
  November 2, 2010 at 11:33 pm
  
  HTC upgraded most of their phones? I thought it is only to desire? I am still waiting for my wildfire upgrade to froyo. Rumor said before Christmas but no concrete reply from HTC. HTC also didn't publish officially the list of upgradable phone list… I think the model of android distribution (google + manufacturer + carrier) is just sick…they must cooperate more closely and simultaneously.
andi says:

November 20, 2010 at 2:56 pm

keep touch with LG, consumer is everything. even the lower classes android like the Optimus GT540 get Froyo 2 months longer. and I was so sure of this, just like when LG promising Eclair 2 months since the GT540 marketed. They do not know how to break a promise. They only know the consumer is always the first. Love LG

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