Instead of continuing the familiar row of numbers like iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS 15, Apple can switch to naming by release year - starting with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
This information was revealed by Bloomberg, citing characters who are knowledgeable about Apple's internal plans. The switch to annual dialing will make it easier for users to track, especially as Apple often releases major updates in the fall - meaning the iOS version announced in September 2025 will be called iOS 26, corresponding to the main year of use being 2026.
Synchronizing this naming method will also help simplify Apple's already complex software ecosystem. Currently, Apple Watch is using watchOS 11, while Vision Pro is using visionOS 2. If Apple applies the same numbering system to all platforms, users and developers will have more convenience in tracking and updating.
We will know exactly whether this change will happen or not on June 9, when Apple holds the opening speech at the WWDC 2025 Developer Conference - which is expected to reveal a major update to the user interface across the Apple operating system.
