Apple’s next wave of device updates will break from tradition, as the company shifts its operating system names to match the upcoming year instead of incremental version numbers. This move, set for official unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, will see iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS all adopting “26” as their next major release identifier—regardless of their previous version numbers.

Disjointed versioning has long made it difficult for users and developers to keep track of compatibility or support windows. For example, iOS 18, macOS 15, and watchOS 12 all launched in the same year but carried completely different version numbers, reflecting their staggered launch histories rather than a cohesive product family. By switching to a year-based system—iOS 26, macOS 26, and so on—Apple aims to eliminate this confusion and create a more predictable upgrade cycle across its ecosystem.

Year-Based Naming: Aiming for Consistency

Apple will use the last two digits of the upcoming year as the version number, following a pattern familiar to anyone who’s bought a new car or remembers Windows 95. That means operating systems launching in late 2025 will be branded as “26” releases, not “25.” This approach aligns all Apple platforms—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV, and Vision Pro—regardless of when each OS line originally debuted.

For users, this means that the next major iPhone software will be called iOS 26, not iOS 19. The same goes for iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This jump is not a reflection of skipped features or lost updates, but a deliberate realignment to the calendar year, making it easier for consumers to know exactly how current their software is.

Why Apple Is Making This Change

Apple’s decision addresses several pain points:

  • It streamlines support and compatibility checks, since all devices will reference the same version number for a given year.
  • It simplifies communication for both users and developers, who no longer need to cross-reference disparate version numbers when troubleshooting or deploying apps.
  • It matches the cadence of Apple’s annual hardware and software releases, which already tend to follow a predictable schedule.
  • It eliminates the awkwardness of software like visionOS, which would have jumped from version 2 to version 26 in one leap, by tying the number to the release year instead of sequential history.

This shift also mirrors moves by other tech companies. Samsung switched its Galaxy S phone lineup from S10 to S20 in 2020 to align with the year, making it easier for customers to identify the latest model. Microsoft’s Windows 95, 98, and 2000 releases used year-based branding, though Microsoft later returned to more abstract numbering.

What Users Will Notice

The most immediate impact will be on update notifications and support documentation. Instead of seeing a mix of numbers—iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 12—users will see a unified “26” across all their Apple devices. This makes it much easier to determine if your iPhone, Mac, and Watch are all running the latest release for a given year.

For developers, the change means less guesswork when targeting APIs and ensuring compatibility. Apple’s internal versioning will likely continue to track more granular changes, but the public-facing number will always match the upcoming year. This could also help reduce confusion when seeking support or reading troubleshooting guides, since referencing “iOS 26” will be unambiguous for both users and Apple staff.

Potential Drawbacks and Industry Comparisons

While this approach simplifies branding, it also commits Apple to annual software releases—at least in name. Some have pointed out that Microsoft struggled with year-based versioning, as it created pressure to push out updates even when major new features weren’t ready. Apple, however, already operates on a yearly release schedule, so this shouldn’t introduce new challenges in practice.

Another consideration is the perception of “old” software: if a device is stuck on iOS 25 when iOS 26 is current, users may feel more urgency to upgrade than if the version numbers were less directly tied to the calendar. This could drive adoption of new devices or updates but may also shorten the perceived support window for older hardware.

There’s also the question of minor updates and bug fixes. Apple will likely continue to use point releases (e.g., iOS 26.1) for mid-cycle improvements, maintaining the familiar structure beneath the new year-based umbrella.

What’s Next: UI Overhaul and Feature Set

The rebranding will coincide with a significant user interface redesign, internally dubbed “Solarium.” Apple plans to unify the look and feel of its operating systems, drawing inspiration from visionOS and making navigation more consistent across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other platforms. This is intended to reduce friction for users who switch between devices and to make Apple’s ecosystem feel more tightly integrated.

Additional features expected in the upcoming releases include:

  • Live-translation mode for AirPods and Siri, improving real-time communication in multiple languages.
  • AI-powered battery management and health features, leveraging Apple’s in-house machine learning models.
  • Bidirectional Arabic-English keyboard and a new digital calligraphy pen mode for Apple Pencil users.
  • Expanded third-party access to Apple’s AI technologies, allowing developers to integrate advanced features into their own apps.

These updates will roll out alongside the new naming scheme, reinforcing Apple’s push for a seamless, modern experience across its entire lineup.

Apple’s naming overhaul will finally bring order to a fragmented versioning system, making it easier for everyone to know what’s current and what’s supported—while setting the stage for a more unified, future-proof ecosystem.