Apple has decided to change its software strategy by adopting a simpler way to name its operating systems. From now on, all Apple’s operating systems will have the same year-based numbering system, starting with the 2026 versions. The keynote at Apple’s annual WWDC event revealed this change.
Before, Apple’s operating systems were given separate labels depending on the number of versions they had. For example, last year’s updates were iOS 18, watchOS 11, and visionOS 2, which were hard to keep track of because the numbers didn’t match.
All platforms will now have the same version number, which will represent the following year. Therefore, the software updates this fall will be called iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. It makes the naming system easier and allows users to easily tell which version is the newest on every Apple device.
Apple has added the “Tahoe” name for macOS 26, following its pattern of naming its desktop operating system after places in California.
Apple explains that the new naming system helps both users and developers keep up with the newest versions. Now, everyone can use just one version number for the year, which is the same method used by other big tech companies.
A Bloomberg report in May suggested that Apple was considering making its versioning simpler. The unified naming system is a sign of Apple’s push for more clarity and unity, which are now important in the fast-changing world of digital platforms.
