Apple’s about to give its software a new name—and maybe a new identity.
According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple plans to ditch the traditional version numbers in favor of year-based naming for all its major operating systems. That means no iOS 19 next year. Instead, it’ll be iOS 26—named after the year following its release window, in line with how carmakers label their models.
The expected change is set to be announced at WWDC 2025, which kicks off June 9. If all goes to plan, Apple’s software lineup will go from this year’s version chaos—like iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2—to a single, synchronized family: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
The move is designed to simplify what has become a confusing numbering system. Different products launched in various years have resulted in uneven version numbers across the Apple ecosystem. iPads, iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches all run OS versions that rarely align numerically—until now.
Familiar Territory?
Apple isn’t the first tech giant to do this. Microsoft’s Windows 95 and Samsung’s Galaxy S20 are earlier examples of year-driven naming. But Apple is taking it a step further: the software name will reflect the year after release, not the current one. Therefore, the software, which is scheduled to land in fall 2025, will be called 2026. Yes, a little like your uncle’s 2025 car that rolled off the lot in 2024.
The rationale? These OSes will dominate both 2025 and 2026, so the name is meant to match their lifespan.
A Unified Experience Across Devices
Beyond the name change, the update will usher in a sweeping redesign across Apple’s platforms. Inspired by the visionOS interface, Apple is reportedly set to roll out more circular icons and a shared design language across its devices, from Macs to Watches to iPhones.
That could lead to more cross-platform consistency, something users have been requesting for years. There’s even talk of a more Mac-like multitasking experience on iPad, finally taking advantage of its impressive hardware (like the new iPad Pro and Air with Magic Keyboard support) with software to match.
But… What About the iPhone?
Interestingly, Bloomberg’s sources didn’t mention whether Apple plans to extend this new naming scheme to the iPhone lineup itself. For now, iPhone 17 is still expected this fall, followed by iPhone 18 in 2026. The company may decide that keeping hardware and software naming separate is less confusing for consumers. Or maybe Apple’s saving a surprise for another event.
AI, AirPods, and More
Gurman’s report also teases more at WWDC 2025: live translation for AirPods, a revamped Siri, and even the potential integration of third-party AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. With Apple Intelligence still missing in action, there’s plenty of anticipation over how the company will catch up in the AI arms race.
Bottom Line
Apple’s next OS won’t just look different—it’ll be named differently too. Whether users embrace iOS 26 or long for the simpler days of iOS 18 remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Apple is preparing for a future where its devices speak the same design—and version—language.
