Apple is set to unveil a significant change to how it names its operating systems at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Instead of using specific version numbers like iOS 18 or macOS 15, Apple will now identify each OS release by the year it is launched. This move aims to bring consistency and clarity to Apple's range of operating systems. While the tech giant has not officially confirmed this update, sources cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggest that this new naming convention will be introduced soon.
Under the new system, the next iteration of the iPhone's operating system is expected to be known as iOS 26, followed by iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This change will make it easier for users to understand when a particular OS version was released, as all operating systems will follow the same numbering scheme based on the year. For instance, the iPhone's OS set to launch in September 2025 will be labeled as iOS 26 to align with the year it is released.
Alongside this naming adjustment, Apple is also expected to introduce new features and enhancements at WWDC. These include improved AI capabilities for iPad users, a Live Translate feature for AirPods and Siri, and a visual scrolling feature for Vision Pro users. The company aims to elevate the user experience across its range of devices by leveraging advanced technologies like AI and eye-tracking.
The unveiling of these changes will coincide with updates to the user interface (UI) of Apple's operating systems. Internally known as Solarium, these UI enhancements will bring a fresh look and feel to tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS for Vision Pro devices. Apple users can look forward to a more intuitive and seamless experience following the implementation of these updates.
