The latest Android distribution stats are in as of June 3rd, and things are looking up for Jelly Bean.
Jelly Bean, including Android 4.1 and 4.2, now makes up 33% of all users. Coupled with Ice Cream Sandwich at 25.6%, nearly 60% of users run Android 4.0 and above.
Changes from last month are minor, Android 4.2 finally got a bit boost, almost doubling from 2.3% to 4% in less than a month, on the strength of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Android 4.1 also jumped 2.9% from last month as more customers upgraded from older devices; 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 saw slight drops this month.
It also appears that manufacturers are making good on their word to upgrade ICS users to Jelly Bean, as much of the Android 4.1 gain came at the expense of 4.0 — the former gaining 2.9% and the latter losing 1.9%.
There are some unfortunate conclusions to be made here: while it’s gratifying to see Android 4.0+ rising to 60% of all users, Gingerbread’s demise is taking far larger than it should and it is hampering the rollout of apps that take advantage of newer platform features only possible on ICS and above.
It’s important to remember that Google recently tweaked its algorithm in regards to how it counts users for these figures. In its own words, the company explains:
Note: Beginning in April, 2013, these charts are now built using data collected from each device when the user visits the Google Play Store. Previously, the data was collected when the device simply checked-in to Google servers. We believe the new data more accurately reflects those users who are most engaged in the Android and Google Play ecosystem.
Also, according to a tweet from the well-connected and accurate @LlabTooFeR Twitter account, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean could be rolling out a few weeks after the HTC One Nexus hits the Google Play Store.
@LlabTooFeR is best known as a source of HTC-related rumors, and has proven to be very accurate in most cases.
Exciting times for all Android fans!
