iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and more: Apple reportedly shifting to year-based naming for operating systems
Bloomberg reports that Apple is changing its operating system names to achieve consistency and eliminate confusion across devices.
iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and more: Apple reportedly shifting to year-based naming for operating systems
Bloomberg reports Apple is developing new naming conventions for its entire range of operating systems. A report from 9to5Google based on Bloomberg information revealed that the next iOS update will not carry the name iOS 19. The operating system will adopt Apple iOS 26 designation as part of Apple's new year-based naming system. Apple’s upcoming operating system changes will affect all its platforms including iPadOS 26 for iPads and macOS 26 for Macs along with watchOS 26 for the Watch series.
The upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starting on June 9 will serve as the platform for Apple’s official announcement of these new product names.
Bloomberg reports that Apple aims to establish uniformity throughout its platforms while simplifying how its brand is identified for both consumers and developers. Executives claim this step belongs to an extensive plan to refine Apple's product lineup.
WWDC 2025: What to expect
Major visual updates for Apple’s full lineup of Apple operating systems including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS will be unveiled at WWDC. visionOS will serve as the inspiration for the redesign which will feature glass-like UI elements and updated icons while streamlining navigation to establish a consistent visual language across devices.
Key expected announcements include:
- Apple AI features: Apple will reveal intelligent battery optimization technology that adapts to user patterns with an additional lock screen display that shows estimated charging time.
- Health app overhaul: The AI-powered coaching system delivers custom wellness advice while providing expert video content and advanced fitness tracking features.
- Redesigned Camera app: The redesigned Camera app presents a transparent, glass-like interface based on visionOS principles and simplified operational controls.
- Siri upgrade: The Siri update focuses on an extensive transformation to enhance its intuitive interaction and contextual understanding capabilities. The new iteration will handle complex prompts while enabling app-based actions and dynamic on-screen awareness along with delivering personalised assistance.
- Third-party AI integration: Reports suggest Apple is negotiating with Google, Anthropic and Perplexity to use their AI models such as Gemini and Claude together with or instead of ChatGPT from OpenAI within Apple Intelligence.
