Apple is going to make a big change in the naming of its operating systems: Announcement of iOS 26, macOS 26 and other versions possible at WWDC 2025

A New Era in Apple’s Operating System Naming

Apple is planning a significant shift in the naming convention of its operating systems. Traditionally, systems like iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS have been released with sequential version numbers (e.g., iOS 18, macOS 16). However, according to a report by Bloomberg, Apple intends to rename these versions based on their release year, such as iOS 26, macOS 26, and so on.

This change aims to simplify version recognition for users and align with practices adopted in some other software industries.

Reason for the Naming Change

There is inconsistency in the version numbers of Apple’s various platforms—for example, iOS 18, watchOS 12, and visionOS 2. Under the new plan, all operating systems will be given the same version number (such as 26), making it easier for users to understand which year’s version they are using.

Apple’s aim with this move is to bring uniformity to the version numbering of all its operating systems. Currently, platforms like iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS have differing version numbers, making it difficult for users to determine which version corresponds to which year. For example, the discrepancy between iOS 18, watchOS 12, and visionOS 2 can create confusion.

Under this new strategy, Apple plans to name all its operating systems based on their release year. This means instead of iOS 19, it will be iOS 26; instead of macOS 16, it will be macOS 26, and similarly for the others. This change will make it easier for users to understand which year’s version they are using and will ensure consistency across all platforms.

This change will not only benefit users but also assist developers and IT professionals. A unified version numbering system will improve software development, testing, and support processes, increasing productivity and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Apple’s new naming strategy is in line with common practices in other industries where products are named based on their release year. For example, in the automobile industry, car models are named after their release year, such as the 2025 model. This move by Apple will make it easier for users to identify and remember their device’s software version.

The official announcement of this change will be made at Apple’s annual developers conference, WWDC 2025, which begins on June 9. In this conference, Apple will also introduce major design changes to its operating systems inspired by visionOS from Vision Pro. This will provide users with a fresh and unified experience across all Apple devices.

This move is expected to bring uniformity across Apple’s software platforms, which currently use disparate version numbers.

Official Announcement at WWDC 2025

Apple is expected to officially announce this change at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starting on June 9, 2025. During this event, the company will also unveil a design overhaul influenced by the Vision Pro’s visionOS.

What’s New?

• Naming Change: Instead of iOS 19, the upcoming release will be named iOS 26; similarly, macOS 16 will become macOS 26, and so on.
• Design Overhaul: A significant visual redesign across Apple’s entire software ecosystem is anticipated, inspired by visionOS. This marks a major evolution in Apple’s UI/UX approach, aiming to provide a more consistent and modern visual experience for users across their devices.
• Improved Consistency: The redesign is expected to be inspired by visionOS, Apple’s operating system for spatial computing, signaling a move toward a unified and cohesive design language across all Apple platforms.

Conclusion

This change in naming convention represents a significant step in Apple’s software branding strategy, aiming to provide users with clearer and more user-friendly naming. Additionally, the design changes are expected to enhance the user experience across all Apple devices.