Apple is reportedly planning a significant revision to the naming conventions of its device operating systems, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Moving forward, the company intends to label these systems based on their release year rather than sequential version numbers. Following the current iOS 18, for instance, the next update is set to be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19.
This naming overhaul is designed to simplify Apple’s branding strategy and minimize confusion regarding different operating system versions across the company’s product lines. Thus, similar changes will apply across Apple’s family of operating systems—leading to new titles like iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
The announcement of this branding shift is expected to be part of Apple’s keynote address at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled for June 9. Anticipation is high around the event, as major announcements on updated user interfaces accompanying these newly named operating systems are also expected.
In addition to the naming and interface updates, Apple is anticipated to outline new enhancements for AirPods, improved functionality for its voice assistant Siri, updates to the Vision Pro headset, and the introduction of several fresh artificial intelligence features.
