Apple is rumored to be preparing a major change to how users perceive its operating systems. Bloomberg’s report from 28 May 2025 suggests that instead of following a sequential numbering system for software updates, Apple has decided to switch to a year-based naming system. As a result, the upcoming iOS update scheduled for Autumn 2025 would be iOS 26 instead of iOS 19, meaning the version of the software will match the last two digits of the year. 

Reason Why Apple Is Changing Its Software Naming System

Apple had an operating system, and it was being updated to iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS. Each has its own version numbering. iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and VisionOS 2 are what was current in May 2025. This was largely because the operating systems did not launch together or update in sync, which, for many users, posed an issue in regards to tracking the latest versions. Bloomberg’s sources claim Apple will now be calling the versions based on the year and using the last two digits for the upcoming year. This indicates iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS will all have “26” as the suffix for their 2026 updates. This will make the naming simpler and more intelligent. Reducing software versioning confusion while enabling users to easily know which updates are available at a glance. This is similar to how the automotive industry has the model year system which brands cars using its release year instead of sequentially. It is also similar to the naming strategies used by competitors such as Samsung and Microsoft, which at times use software version names based on the year they are released.

What It Means for Users and Developers of Apple Products

Moving to a year-based software version system is indicative of Apple’s push for efficiency in user engagement across its products. By versioning the software, Apple would be able to manage and clarify the relationships between versions and update schedules. With the proposed change, when users see both “iOS 26” and “macOS 26”, it will be clear that these updates are meant to be released simultaneously. Developers also stand to benefit from this, as a single-naming convention greatly aids in filing support documents, tracking technological development milestones, and creating clear pathways for future automation. It mitigates risks of ambiguity when targeting specific OS versions for relevance, testing, and feature rollouts. Apple will likely make the announcement at the WWDC on 9 June 2025. Apart from the naming changes, Apple is rumored to be introducing redesigned interfaces that are more seamlessly integrated across Apple devices.

What About the iPhone Naming System?

Bloomberg’s report omits any mention of possible modifications to the iPhone naming convention. The current iPhone 16 model came out in February 2025, with the iPhone 17 expected to drop in September 2025. There’s no reason to believe Apple intends to change iPhone 17’s moniker to “iPhone 26.” This perhaps suggests that the year-based naming system is kept only to software titles. That distinction makes sense considering how deep brand loyalty runs for iPhone models, which have been issued in simple consecutive number orders. Altering this would create more complications than clarification for customers. That said, it sparks the idea if Apple would ever decide to merge hardware and software naming conventions or if they plan to keep them as separate entities.

Comparative Analysis and Historical Context

As history clearly indicates, Apple is a leader in technology and software. However, like every other organization, they have areas for improvement and learning.  Microsoft names all its products sequentially, which is an indication of a lack of creativity within the organization. They shall be referred to as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 10, Windows 11 and so on. Samsung also uses the same approach when it comes to naming versions of their One UI software. Their versioning method is similar to Windows, as seen with One UI 5, branded One UI 5(2023). It is being observed how Apple iOS fell behind and lagged in adopting industry standards. The company struggled with simple clear release dates, which described to users the deciding factor: age and simplicity.

Although the new name system offers more clarity, it may create confusion with users who are used to the traditional numbering scheme. For example, moving from iOS 18 to 26 would leave some questioning what happened to 19 through 25. Apple will need to address this change to avoid unintended consequences and misunderstandings. Additionally, terminology and documentation created by developers and tech writers will have to change under the new nomenclature. While shift periods are often met with resistance, the long-term impact of streamlined disruptions may be far more beneficial.

Expected Activities in WWDC 2025

Predictions indicate that the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, 2025, will serve as the platform to provide an official announcement and in-depth reasoning behind the restructuring initiative. Expected announcements from Apple may include:

• iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS with the 26, marks for the updates are intended in 2026.

• Showcase new device-crossing seamless focus-aligned user interface updates.

• Explanation of where this alteration fits considering Apple’s broader Software Development and Ecosystem Strategy.

• Addressing whether the naming convention will cover hardware items, for example, the iPhone, or will be limited to software only.

Conclusion

Apple’s decision to rename its updates from iOS 19 to 26 marks an important step towards adopting a rational and consistent approach to versioning. While eliminating confusion by numbering versions with the year, Apple is attempting to align them with the calendar year, which is a step forward in streamlining its software ecosystem. This is a welcome change that aligns with broader industry practices and will likely be beneficial for both users and developers. Although some concern persists, particularly around the names of hardware products, this move is a strong indicator that Apple is willing to shift its branding strategies in order to enhance user experience. The tech industry is now eagerly anticipating the details to be disclosed at WWDC 2025, and speculation is that these changes are likely to stir up discussions around Apple’s most controversial and discussed software changes to date.