Apple may soon switch to naming its operating systems by year, meaning that iOS 26 could be launched next, instead of the widely reported iOS 19. The move is reportedly intended to align all of its platforms, as new versions of iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS would also adopt the same naming structure.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple plans to label the operating systems after the year following their release, “not unlike how car companies market their vehicles.” So, even though the updates will be released in 2025, the next versions will be iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and so on. The announcement is expected at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
SEE: Apple’s Changing Its iPhone Annual Release Schedule
Apple’s current OS nomenclature
Currently, most of Apple’s operating systems follow different naming nomenclature. iOS 18 is the latest version for iPhones, marking the 18th iteration of the system. It has only been rebranded once, in 2010, when it switched from iPhone OS to iOS. iPadOS and tvOS also use the version number 18 for consistency, despite not having had 18 major releases. In contrast, watchOS and visionOS are on versions 11 and 2, corresponding to their number of updates.
macOS originally launched as System 1 through System 7 between 1984 to 1991, followed by Mac OS 8 and Mac OS 9 in the late 1990s. In 2001, Apple launched the macOS 10.x series, which continued until 2019, before transitioning to the current whole-number system starting with macOS 11 Big Sur in 2020. The current release is macOS 15 Sequoia.
Apple previously experimented with year-based naming for its app suites, such as iLife ‘04 and iWork ‘05, before transitioning to individual app updates.
Apple’s next operating systems will have a new look, too
The updated naming convention will reportedly come alongside a major visual overhaul. The upcoming operating systems will debut under a new design language internally called “Solarium.” Apple’s goal is to create a more cohesive user experience across its ecosystem, enabling users to transition seamlessly between devices.
It is rumoured the interface will adopt a design more closely aligned with visionOS, featuring updates to icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons. Gurman also predicts that the iPad will have a more Mac-like interface, potentially enhancing its usability for enterprise customers.
There are also rumours that iOS 26 — or whatever it may be officially called — could drop support for the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. This would align with Apple’s typical support window of providing approximately six years of major software updates before retiring full compatibility.
According to Gurman, Apple will not announce any major AI updates at WWDC in June, as it continues to prioritise refining its existing products. Nevertheless, rumours indicate that AI will be used to improve battery optimisation, Siri’s conversational abilities, and offer live translation with AirPods. Additionally, third-party developers will be given access to Apple’s models to support new app development.
There are also early signals of longer-term AI projects, such as augmented reality glasses and a revamped Health app with a virtual wellness coach, though these are not expected until 2026.
