WWDC 25 could see the not-at-all confusing launch of iOS 26.
Apple could make a big change to the way it numbers its operating systems, with a year-based system renaming iOS 19 as iOS 26, and macOS in the same way.
Apple’s numbering system is fairly straightforward, with the version number going up each year like clockwork. However, that may not be the case this fall, as Apple allegedly plans to overhaul its naming system.
According to sources of Bloomberg on Wednesday, Apple will be switching to a year-based naming system for its operating systems. Instead of iOS 19, it will be iOS 26, referencing the approaching year of 2026 that will arrive months after the usual fall OS updates.
The name change will apparently apply to all of Apple’s mainline operating systems, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
The change is said to be intended to bring consistency to the branding and numbering. The current version-based numbering system varies between platforms, simply because they were released at different times.
Apple is anticipated to announce the numbering update during the WWDC keynote on June 9.
