May 30, 2025
Apple is making a major shift in its operating system strategy by moving away from sequential version numbers. Instead, it will now use a year-based naming system, beginning with the next round of updates.
Rather than releasing iOS 19, Apple will jump to iOS 26, reflecting the year following its release. This mirrors the model used in industries like automotive manufacturing.
The year-based naming will not be limited to iOS—it will span the entire suite of Apple platforms, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, offering a unified naming experience.
Apple is expected to formally announce this naming convention update at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which kicks off on June 9, 2025.
At the same event, Apple is likely to unveil a visual redesign of its OS lineup. This design overhaul is heavily influenced by the interface and user experience of visionOS.
The updated design aims to deliver a more seamless and futuristic user experience across devices, enhancing the overall coherence of the Apple ecosystem.
Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and in-depth details during WWDC 2025 as Apple takes its operating systems into a new era.