Apple is changing how it names its operating systems. Starting this year, iOS and its sibling platforms will drop version numbers and adopt a year-based naming system. So instead of iOS 19, we’re getting iOS 26.
What’s Changing?
According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple plans to align the version names across all its platforms using the upcoming year. So, this year’s iOS 19 becomes iOS 26, and the same goes for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Why the Change?
The move is all about consistency. Apple’s OS names have had mismatched version numbers for years. For example, macOS is on version 15, while iOS is on 18. The new approach simplifies things:
- iOS 19 → iOS 26
- iPadOS 19 → iPadOS 26
- macOS 16 → macOS 26
- watchOS 12 → watchOS 26
- tvOS 19 → tvOS 26
- visionOS 3 → visionOS 26
This new naming convention will reflect the update’s availability spanning 2025 and 2026, much like how car manufacturers name their models. Well, it will certainly become a spectacle when Apple releases iterative updates like it usually does: 26.1.2, anyone?
Design Overhaul Coming Too
Alongside the name update, Apple is planning a major design refresh. Expect a more visionOS-inspired interface across all devices, unifying the look and feel between iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV.
Related: watchOS 12: New Apple Watch Features You’ll Want to Try
This redesign aims to create a seamless and modern experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
Announcement at WWDC 2025
Apple is expected to officially announce the new naming format at WWDC on June 9, 2025. That’s when we’ll likely see the full vision for the revamped OS lineup and its refreshed UI.
Related: iOS 19, iPadOS 19 to Add Apple Pencil Arabic Calligraphy Support and Bi-Directional Arabic Keyboard
Stay tuned for updates as Apple rebrands its software experience from the ground up.
Comments