Apple to Rebrand Operating Systems With Yearly numbering

⁤ Updated​ May 28,2025
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Apple ‍plans a⁤ significant shift in how it identifies its operating systems.According to a source cited by Bloomberg, the tech⁢ giant will move to a yearly numbering system‍ for its OS releases, ​aiming to ⁤simplify the user experience and bring consistency across devices. This change impacts iOS, macOS, and other platforms.

Instead of version numbers, Apple will use⁢ the year of⁣ release. Thus,the next iPhone operating system will be known ‍as iOS 26,not iOS 19. Similarly, other devices will receive iPadOS 26, macOS 26, ⁢watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. The goal is to⁤ give users a clearer understanding of when their Apple devices’⁣ software was released.

The transition will start this year. Even though the new iOS version will be released in September 2025, it will be labeled iOS 26 to align with the new system.⁣ Future ‍releases will follow suit, with the‌ September 2026 version becoming iOS 27.

Beyond the ⁤naming change, Apple aims to enhance the iPad experience, making it more similar to using a Mac.‌ The ‍company also plans to provide third-party developers access to its⁤ AI models and technology used in⁣ Apple ⁢Intelligence.Moreover, AI will play ⁤a role in​ managing battery life ⁣on​ Apple⁣ devices.

New features expected ⁤at ⁣the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference‍ (WWDC) include a Live Translate feature for AirPods and Siri, as well as a ‌visual scrolling feature for Vision Pro users.

The changes, internally codenamed Solarium, will also bring user ‍interface updates⁢ to tvOS, watchOS, and parts of visionOS for the Vision Pro,‍ Bloomberg reports. Apple is expected⁤ to announce the rebrand at WWDC, ⁤which begins ‌June 9.

What’s next

The official declaration is expected at Apple’s WWDC in June,​ where more details ⁤about the new operating system features and user interface changes will be revealed. The shift to yearly numbering promises a more intuitive way for‌ users to track updates⁢ and understand the ‌age ⁤of their ⁤device software.