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Do software updates make our devices worse?
A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found 54% think updates push premium features or upgrades, while 62% say operating system updates disrupt daily use.
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research, conducted between Apr. 8 and Apr. 14, 2026, found that 78% avoid changing device settings unless absolutely necessary, revealing widespread resistance to software updates.
Common reasons for delaying updates include 23% of respondents who simply forget an update is available and 22% who fear new versions will perform worse than current versions.
Perceptions of generational bias persist, as 55% of Americans believe updates cater to people younger than them, including 63% of Gen Zers who feel specifically targeted by design changes.
Beyond functional concerns, 62% of respondents believe updates disrupt daily device usage, while 56% report feeling anxious or annoyed right before hitting the button to update.
As companies race to integrate AI-driven features, 54% of Americans believe these updates are designed primarily to push users toward premium features or device upgrades.