A recent survey reveals that many Americans, in fact, feel software updates can often make their devices worse rather than better.
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 adults in the U.S., indicated that 54% believe updates are primarily aimed at promoting premium features or encouraging people to upgrade their devices.
Interestingly, 55% also think that these updates are designed with younger users in mind. This sentiment is particularly strong among Gen Z; 63% feel updates cater exclusively to their age group. Yet, it’s not just them—more than half of Millennials (54%), Gen Xers (52%), and Baby Boomers (56%) share the same outlook.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (62%) fear that operating system updates will disrupt their everyday use of devices, while 53% express concerns about app updates having similar effects.
The results showed that about 78% of people hesitate to make changes to their devices unless it’s absolutely essential, signaling a clear reluctance toward applying updates.
When an update is available, just 20% install it right away. Many others prefer to wait—26% take one to two days, and 30% wait at least a week before updating. Meanwhile, 15% only update when they must.
The survey, carried out by Talker Research for UserTesting, highlights that many users feel let down by poor update experiences in the past.
When asked about their last manual update, about 48% reported updating their phones within the last month. iPhone users seem to be more proactive, with 49% updating promptly, compared to 42% of Android users.
Also, 54% of tablet users updated within the past month, but again, a larger share of iPads (56%) had seen updates compared to Android tablets (47%).
On the other hand, many practical devices aren’t getting updated regularly; nearly half (46%) haven’t updated their smart TVs or car infotainment systems in over six months.
People generally shared their hesitations about updating. Forgetting about available updates was the top reason (23%), followed closely by being satisfied with their current software but worrying about new versions being worse (22%).
Other concerns included the time it takes to install updates (15%), potential changes to settings (15%), and the addition of unwanted AI features (15%). Notably, 44% had experienced an app update that negatively impacted their ability to perform tasks.
“Looking back, we seem to be at a bit of an awkward stage in technology, where reliance on software stability is greater than on hardware,” explained a representative from UserTesting. “A bad update experience can really tarnish a user’s perception of both their device and the company behind it.”
The survey also noted that 40% of Americans need a few days to acclimate to changes from updates, while 25% may take weeks or even months. A small percentage (6%) indicated it could take them a whole year to adjust. Interestingly, 29% adapt almost instantly.
When the moment comes to hit “refresh,” 56% admit to feeling a mix of anxiety and irritation. This small moment of doubt showcases the apprehension many people experience with continuous changes. However, shortly after an update, 35% reported feeling happy and 23% felt excited.
If an update enhances security without drastically altering design, 68% would choose to install it—28% of whom would do so immediately.
Conversely, about a third (32%) tend to delay or avoid updates due to fears that their device might slow down or become unusable, which could even necessitate replacement.
The findings illustrate a growing disconnect between rapid tech advancements and people’s comfort levels in adapting. As companies hurry to introduce new features, particularly those driven by AI, users are starting to question their actual utility.
“This data shows that users aren’t necessarily focused on the updates themselves; they’re often more interested in the outcomes,” the representative continued. “To resonate with users, updates need to show real value, not merely cosmetic tweaks that create confusion or anxiety.”
Reasons for hesitance to update:
1. Forgetting about the update – 23%
2. Satisfaction with current software, but fears the new version will be inferior – 22%
3. Installation time concerns – 15%
4. Worries about settings being reset – 15%
5. Concerns over unwanted AI features – 15%
6. Insufficient storage – 13%
7. Concern about device slowing down – 13%
8. Remembering passwords for updates – 11%
9. Lack of time to wait for installations – 9%
10. Device age making updates impossible – 9%
11. Uncertainty about potential costs of updates – 6%
12. Forgetting necessary passwords – 6%
13. Anxiety about re-learning device functions – 4%
Research methodology:
Talker Research conducted this survey, which surveyed 2,000 internet-accessible U.S. adults, commissioned by UserTesting. It was administered online from April 8 to April 14, 2026.
