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Apple says iOS 8 already on 46% of devices, nears iOS 7 distribution levels

Less than one week after iOS 8 was made available for download, Apple on Tuesday announced the next-generation mobile operating system is now on 46 percent of devices linked to the iOS App Store.

As noted on Apple's developer support portal for iOS App Store metrics, iOS 8 has enjoyed rapid adoption since its launch on Sept. 17, with some 46 percent of devices now running the mobile operating system.

The quick uptake means the number of iPhones, iPads and iPod touch units running the outgoing iOS 7 has dropped to 49 percent of the whole as of Sept. 21. Earlier versions of iOS complete the tally with a 5 percent share.

Apple's iOS 8 is tracking well compared with previous version releases, including last year's iOS 7 launch that managed to garner a 52 percent Web share after one week of availability, according to ad network Chitika. The firm monitored iOS 7 adoption over the past year and reported that distribution hit up to 90 percent for iPhones and 85 percent for iPads in the days leading up to Apple's iOS 8 reveal at WWDC in May.

Helped along by brisk iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sales, it appears Cupertino's latest mobile OS is being welcomed by users eager to take advantage of all-new features like the HealthKit and HomeKit frameworks, access to iCloud Drive, interactive notifications and app extensibility, among others.

Those interested in upgrading their device to iOS 8 can do so by running Software Update under Settings > General or connecting to iTunes via a Mac or Windows PC. To go along with Apple's latest iOS release, AppleInsider compiled a selection of tips and how-to guides covering some of the best new features.