Android KitKat Usage on June 5th
As of June 5th, Android KitKat (version 4.4) was running on approximately 8.1% of all Android devices that checked into the Google Play Store. This figure comes from Google’s own distribution dashboard, which tracks active devices over a 7-day period ending on that date.
Background: The Android Version Landscape
Android KitKat, released in October 2013, was a significant milestone for Google. It was the first version to bear a commercial brand name (a deal with Nestlé’s chocolate bar) and was designed to run smoothly on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM. By June 2015, however, the Android ecosystem had moved on considerably. Android 5.0 Lollipop, released in late 2014, was gaining ground, and Android 4.4 was no longer the newest or most popular version.
Google’s distribution numbers are based on devices that access the Play Store, which excludes many older or non-Google-certified devices. This means the actual percentage of KitKat in the wild could be slightly higher, as some users never update or use alternative app stores. Still, the 8.1% figure was the official benchmark used by developers to decide which Android versions to support.
How Google Measures Android Usage
Google publishes a monthly breakdown of Android versions on its developer dashboard. The data is collected from devices that have the Play Store app installed and have been active within the last 7 days. This excludes:
- Devices without Google Play (common in China)
- Devices that haven’t been turned on recently
- Tablets and phones that never connect to the internet
Because of these exclusions, the numbers are a sample, not a census. However, they are the most reliable public data available and are widely cited by app developers when setting minimum version requirements.
Why KitKat Remained Popular in 2015
Even in June 2015, KitKat was still the second-most used Android version, behind Jelly Bean (4.1–4.3) which held about 33.4%. KitKat’s longevity can be attributed to several factors:
- Many budget and mid-range phones shipped with KitKat out of the box
- Carrier and manufacturer updates to Lollipop were slow or non-existent for older models
- KitKat’s low memory footprint made it ideal for entry-level hardware
- Users on older devices often skipped updates to avoid performance issues
Developers in mid-2015 typically targeted Android 4.0 or 4.4 as the minimum, knowing that a large chunk of users were still on these versions.
Comparison with Other Versions on June 5, 2015
To put the 8.1% in context, here’s how the distribution looked on that date:
- Jelly Bean (4.1–4.3): ~33.4%
- KitKat (4.4): ~8.1%
- Lollipop (5.0): ~12.3%
- Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0): ~5.1%
- Gingerbread (2.3): ~4.0%
Note that Lollipop had already surpassed KitKat, and Jelly Bean was still the leader. The long tail of older versions (Froyo, Eclair) was shrinking but still present.
Common Misconceptions About the Data
One common mistake is assuming that the 8.1% represents all Android devices in existence. It does not. It only covers devices with Google Play access. For example, Amazon Fire tablets run a forked version of Android without Google Play, so they are not counted. Similarly, many Android devices sold in China lack Google services and are invisible to this metric.
Another misconception is that the percentage is stable over time. In reality, it changes monthly, and the June 5 figure is just a snapshot. By the end of 2015, KitKat had dropped to around 6.9%, and by 2016 it was below 5%.
What This Meant for App Developers
For developers, the 8.1% figure was a crucial decision point. If they set their minimum SDK to Android 4.4, they would exclude the ~8.1% of KitKat users plus the older versions. Many chose to support KitKat as the minimum because:
- It supported the modern Android API (like translucent bars and enhanced notifications)
- It reduced the need for compatibility shims
- The cost of supporting older versions often outweighed the tiny user share
By mid-2015, the industry consensus was to target KitKat as the baseline, which is why many apps from that era still run on KitKat today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Android KitKat still used today?
As of 2024, KitKat’s usage is negligible, well below 1%. Google stopped supporting it with security updates years ago, and most modern apps require at least Android 6.0 or higher. However, some very old devices and industrial equipment still run it, but they are a tiny fraction.
Why did Google call it KitKat?
Google partnered with Nestlé to use the candy bar name for Android 4.4. It was a promotional deal that included a contest and special Android statues. The name stuck, and it’s one of the most memorable Android versions.
How can I check what Android version I have?
Go to Settings > About Phone > Android Version. The exact path may vary by manufacturer, but it’s usually under “About” or “System.” This shows the version number (e.g., 4.4.2) and sometimes the security patch level.
Can I still install apps on KitKat?
Yes, but fewer apps support it. The Google Play Store will only show apps compatible with your device’s Android version. Many newer apps require Android 5.0 or higher, so you’ll see a message saying “This app is not compatible with your device.”
Is KitKat safe to use?
No. KitKat has known security vulnerabilities that were never patched after Google ended support. It lacks modern encryption standards and has unpatched browser and media bugs. Using it for banking or sensitive data is risky.
How does the Play Store percentage compare to other sources?
Google’s own numbers are the most authoritative, but third-party analytics firms like StatCounter and NetMarketShare use different methodologies (web traffic, app usage) and often show higher or lower percentages. The Play Store data is the standard for developers.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.