Apple to Rename Operating Systems Based on Upcoming Year, Starting with iOS 26 in 2025

Apple is reportedly planning to overhaul the naming convention of its operating systems to align version numbers with the last two digits of the upcoming year. According to Bloomberg, starting in the fall of 2025, the successor to iOS 18 will be named iOS 26 instead of iOS 19. The same approach will apply to other platforms, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, all expected to be renamed with the number ’26’. This change aims to create consistency and reduce confusion among users, since Apple’s platforms currently use version numbers based on their independent release histories. For instance, the latest versions include iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2 — a disparity that can confuse consumers. The rebranding is expected to be officially announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. Notably, the naming strategy does not appear to affect iPhones, with the iPhone 17 still expected later this year. The move is reminiscent of naming trends used by Microsoft and Samsung, and even automotive models, where names often reflect the upcoming model year.