Apple appears to be preparing for a significant shift in how it labels its software updates—an approach that might resonate with anyone who recalls Windows 95 or a ’57 Chevy. A report from Bloomberg on Wednesday indicated that Apple is renaming its operating systems by adopting the last two digits of the upcoming year. Thus, the current iOS 18 will transition to iOS 26, instead of iOS 19, when it launches in the fall of 2025.
A spokesperson for Apple has not yet responded to a request for a statement.
Bloomberg references unnamed sources stating that the additional updates will be designated as iPadOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26, TVOS 26, and VisionOS 26. According to these sources, the goal is to create uniformity in Apple’s branding and eliminate confusion. Bloomberg highlights that existing operating systems, such as iOS 18, WatchOS 12, MacOS 15, and VisionOS 2, have varying version numbers since they did not launch simultaneously.
The firm is anticipated to unveil the name change and a more unified user interface across its devices during its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.
It is notable that the Bloomberg article did not address any plans to rename iPhones. The current model is iPhone 16, which was released in February. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be revealed in September, but there are no indications of it being switched to iPhone 26 instead of iPhone 17.
The new naming structure would utilize the last two digits of the upcoming year, 2026, rather than the current year of 2025, echoing the practices of the automotive industry. Companies like Samsung and Microsoft have previously implemented year-based naming schemes.
The Reason for Apple’s Shift in Software Naming Strategy
Apple had an operating system that transitioned into iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS—all of which have unique version numbers. iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and VisionOS 2 were current as of May 2025. This complexity arose largely because the operating systems were not released together or updated in sync, which caused some challenges for users in tracking the latest versions. Bloomberg’s sources assert that Apple will now designate versions based on the year, using the last two digits for the following year. This means that iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS will all carry “26” as their identifier for the 2026 updates. This approach simplifies the naming process and reduces software versioning confusion, allowing users to quickly ascertain which updates are accessible. It mirrors the automotive industry’s system of labeling car models based on their release year and resembles naming strategies employed by competitors like Samsung and Microsoft, who sometimes base their software version names on release years.
Implications for Users and Developers of Apple Products
Transitioning to a year-based software version system signifies Apple’s intent to enhance efficiency in user engagement across its range of products. By structuring the software in this manner, Apple can more effectively manage and clarify the interactions between versions and their update schedules. With the proposed naming convention, users will easily recognize that both “iOS 26” and “macOS 26” are intended for simultaneous release. Developers would also gain from this, as a unified naming standard facilitates the documentation process, tracking technological progress, and establishing clear paths for future automation. It reduces the risk of ambiguity when targeting specific OS versions for relevance, testing, and feature implementation. Apple is expected to announce this at the WWDC on June 9, 2025. In addition to naming changes, there are rumors of redesigned interfaces that will better integrate across Apple devices.
What About the iPhone Naming Convention?
Bloomberg’s report does not mention any potential changes to the iPhone naming strategy. The existing iPhone 16 model was released in February 2025, and the iPhone 17 is anticipated to launch in September 2025. There’s no indication that Apple plans to rename iPhone 17 to “iPhone 26.” This suggests that the year-based naming system may only apply to software titles. This distinction is logical given the strong brand loyalty associated with iPhone models, which have been released in simple sequential orders. Altering this could complicate rather than clarify things for consumers. Nonetheless, it raises the question of whether Apple might ever consider merging hardware and software naming conventions or if they intend to keep them as separate categories.
Comparative Analysis and Historical Context
Historically, Apple has been a pioneering force in technology and software. However, like every organization, there are areas where they can improve and learn. Microsoft uses sequential naming for all its products, which might indicate a lack of creativity within the company. They are known for products like Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 10, Windows 11, and so forth. Samsung also adopts a similar approach regarding the naming of their One UI software versions. Their versioning approach mirrors that of other companies.
Although the revised naming system provides greater clarity, it could lead to confusion among users accustomed to the traditional numbering format. For instance, the shift from iOS 18 to 26 may raise questions about the absence of versions 19 through 25. Apple must tackle this change to prevent any unintended issues and misunderstandings. Furthermore, the terminology and documentation crafted by developers and tech writers will need to be updated in light of the new naming conventions. While changes are often met with skepticism, the long-term benefits of minimizing disruptions may prove much more advantageous.
Predictions suggest that the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, 2025, will be the venue to formally announce and thoroughly explain the restructuring initiative. Anticipated announcements from Apple may encompass:
• Updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS with the 26 marking intended for 2026.
• A presentation of new seamless cross-device user interface updates that are focus-aligned.
• A discussion on how this change fits within Apple’s broader Software Development and Ecosystem Strategy.
• Clarification on whether the naming convention will extend to hardware products like the iPhone, or be confined to software only.
In recent years, Apple has consistently released operating system updates on an annual basis, leading to an incremental increase in version numbers each year. However, this has sometimes complicated the understanding of when a specific operating system was launched and what the current version number is.
The purpose behind changing the naming of the various operating systems is likely to eliminate confusion and to align different software more closely with one another.
Apple is anticipated to unveil this change at the forthcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, which is the annual event where it also presents the latest updates to its operating systems.
This year, the updates are expected to be as extensive and transformative as the new naming scheme. Rumors have indicated that Apple is likely to introduce a significant visual overhaul for iOS and possibly other operating systems, drawing inspiration from the clearer and more transparent design of the Vision Pro headset.
MacOS is the only operating system from Apple that has previously undergone a branding change. Apple first launched Mac OS X 10.0 in 2001, assigning both numbers and names to subsequent versions, starting with big cats and later transitioning to California locations and landmarks.
This has resulted in a convoluted naming convention for the Mac operating system. For example, the latest version is identified as MacOS Seqouia and is designated as version 15.
In conclusion, Apple’s choice to transition its updates from iOS 19 to 26 represents a significant move toward embracing a more rational and consistent versioning approach. By numbering versions according to the year, Apple aims to reduce confusion and better align them with the calendar year, marking progress in streamlining its software ecosystem. This is a positive development that coincides with wider industry practices and will likely benefit both users and developers. Although some apprehension remains, particularly regarding the names of hardware products, this action strongly indicates that Apple is prepared to adapt its branding strategies to enhance user experience. The tech community is eagerly awaiting the information to be presented at WWDC 2025, and speculation suggests these changes may ignite discussions over one of Apple’s most controversial software transformations to date.