Apple is making a big change by skipping iOS 19 and going straight to iOS 26, following a new naming plan for all its operating systems. Bloomberg reports that Apple will now release software updates that are named after the year they are released. As a result, users will see iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26 instead of the previous versions like iPadOS 19 or macOS 16.
This is one step in Apple’s effort to make its software more consistent and understandable. At present, various platforms have their own version numbers, which can cause users to become confused. Apple is now using a model like vehicle model years, where the operating system version matches the year it was mainly used. Since the updates are set for late 2025 and 2026, Apple will use the year 2026 in their branding.
Besides renaming, Apple will also present a major design update for all its platforms. The new updates will include a revamped design inspired by visionOS, making the user experience consistent on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro devices. This move will make Apple’s ecosystem more visually consistent and connected.
The company will officially present its rebranding and redesign at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which starts on Monday, June 9. Apple is now working towards a time when its platforms are more connected, making its branding clearer and its user experience more consistent.
