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Apple is planning a significant shift in how it names its operating systems, transitioning from the current sequential version numbers to a year-based system. This change marks one of the most substantial branding updates for the company in recent years. The upcoming iOS update, previously slated as iOS 19, will now be known as iOS 26. Along with this change, all major Apple operating systems will follow suit, including iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple will reveal this new naming strategy at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. This shift will affect all major Apple platforms. The new naming convention will bring more consistency to Apple’s software branding, addressing the confusion caused by disparate version numbers across various platforms. For example, iOS 18 currently runs alongside watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. The software versions were launched at different times, leading to the inconsistent numbering.
The decision to adopt a year-based system draws inspiration from the automotive industry, which uses model years instead of current years for car releases. Apple’s new approach will mark the software’s launch year — in this case, September 2025 — which will be designated as 2026. This shift is reminiscent of Microsoft’s Windows 95 and 98 naming conventions and even Samsung’s decision to rebrand its Galaxy S series using year-based identifiers, starting with the Galaxy S20 in 2020.
In addition to the rebranding, Apple is expected to launch significant software redesigns across its ecosystem, codenamed “Solarium.” These updates will span tvOS, watchOS, and portions of visionOS, providing a more unified experience for users switching between Apple devices. There are also several new features on the horizon. These include live translation for AirPods and Siri, eye-scrolling functionality for Vision Pro users, and a more Mac-like experience for iPad users to improve productivity in the workplace. Moreover, Apple plans to open its artificial intelligence models to third-party developers, expanding access to its cutting-edge technology.
What Undercode Says:
Apple’s rebranding effort to adopt year-based naming for its operating systems represents more than just a shift in versioning. It’s a strategic move that seeks to address the growing complexity of Apple’s software ecosystem. Currently, Apple’s operating systems are on different release schedules, with no clear synchronization between their version numbers. This can be confusing for consumers and developers who are trying to keep track of updates across multiple platforms. By standardizing the naming convention, Apple ensures that users can easily associate each software update with a specific year, much like how car models are recognized by their release year.
This also helps Apple build a more cohesive and predictable release cycle, simplifying its development process. The move will likely streamline software development for Apple’s engineers and allow them to focus on creating a unified user experience across all platforms. Additionally, the integration of year-based naming may make it easier for consumers to understand the relationship between their devices and software, especially when it comes time to upgrade.
The introduction of new features like live translation, eye-scrolling, and an enhanced iPad experience further shows Apple’s commitment to improving user interaction across its ecosystem. These features also suggest that Apple is pivoting towards a more integrated, AI-powered future. By giving third-party developers access to its AI models, Apple is positioning itself as a leader in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
However, the real test of this rebranding will lie in consumer reception. While the new naming convention might clarify things internally for Apple, it may take some time for customers to fully embrace this shift. The change from a traditional version number to a year-based system could take some getting used to, especially for longtime Apple users who are accustomed to the old system.
Fact Checker Results:
✅ Apple’s shift to year-based OS naming has been confirmed by multiple sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
✅ The new naming strategy will be introduced at WWDC 2025 and is set to affect all major Apple platforms.
❌ No information suggests that this change will affect the frequency or nature of software updates beyond the rebranding.
📊 Prediction:
As Apple continues to push its ecosystem of devices toward a more interconnected and AI-driven future, the year-based naming system may become a significant part of its branding strategy. The move aligns with trends seen in the tech industry, such as Microsoft’s and Samsung’s use of year-based identifiers. It’s likely that this change will help Apple simplify its software updates, improve clarity for consumers, and streamline its product release cycles.
However, given the potential learning curve for users familiar with the traditional versioning system, Apple may face a period of adjustment. If the new naming convention is successfully integrated into the broader ecosystem, it could set a precedent for other tech companies to follow suit in the coming years.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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