Lollipop finally edges its way into latest Android distribution figures

Lollipop is expanding its reach. Image: Cult of Android

Lollipop is expanding its reach. Image: Cult of Android

For the first time since making its public debut last November, Android 5.0 Lollipop has finally pushed its way into the latest Android distribution figures. 1.6 percent of devices are now running Google’s latest operating system, but Jelly Bean continues to cling onto the largest share.

Google’s latest figures were taken during a 7-day period that ended on Monday, February 2. The search giant doesn’t bother listing any Android versions with less than 0.1 percent distribution, so we can assume that Lollipop has grown at least 1.5 percent over the past month alone.

Lollipop finally makes an appearance. Photo: Google

Lollipop finally makes an appearance. Photo: Google

That doesn’t sound too impressive, but when you consider how many Android-powered smartphones and tablets are out there today, it’s not a bad increase at all. The figure will rise even further over the coming months as manufacturers launch new flagship devices.

Mobile World Congress is right around the corner, and it’s going to bring Samsung’s new Galaxy S6 and possibly the rumored Galaxy S Edge, HTC’s new One M9 and possibly a One M9 Plus, and other new devices from various hardware makers — many of which will have Lollipop pre-installed on arrival.

Jelly Bean, which is Android 4.1 through to 4.3, now has 43 percent distribution — down from 46 percent in January. Its predecessor, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, also saw its share drop to just 6.4 percent.

Android 4.4 KitKat’s share has grown slightly from 39.1 percent last month to 39.7 percent this month.