Apple is preparing one of its most significant transformations in a long time for its entire suite of operating systems. In June 2025, during the next Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the Cupertino-based company will announce a new numbering policy that affects both the name and the branding of iOS and its sister platforms. This shift will put an end to the complex and disorganized version numbering system the company has used until now.
The most striking change is that the next iPhone operating system will not be called iOS 19 , as expected, but iOS 26, directly referencing the year in which this version will be available to most users. This decision doesn't just affect the iPhone; it extends to the entire ecosystem: iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will also adopt the numbering corresponding to their release year, aiming for a more consistent and user-friendly experience for everyone.
A year-centered nomenclature for all systems
For years, Apple products have had disparate numbering systems due to their different origins and development cycles : while iOS and iPadOS were on version 18, macOS was barely at 15 and watchOS was on version 12. This difference in numbering complicated both the identification of the most current versions and communication between users and developers.
By adding the year to the name—as was done previously with Windows versions or Samsung's Galaxy S line—Apple is simplifying things for its users : from now on, knowing if a device has the latest version of the operating system will be as easy as checking the current year. For example, in 2026, devices will have iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
- iOS 26 (before iOS 19)
- iPadOS 26 (formerly iPadOS 19)
- macOS 26 (formerly macOS 16)
- Watch 26 (formerly watchOS 12)
- TvOS 26 (formerly tvOS 19)
- visionOS 26 (formerly visionOS 3)
This unification aims to eliminate the usual confusion between update cycles, betas, and releases. The update will be available starting next fall, following its official unveiling at WWDC 2025.
Visual redesign and consistency across the Apple ecosystem
In addition to the new naming strategy, Apple is preparing a major visual overhaul for all its platforms. According to several sources close to the development, the style changes will be inspired by visionOS—the operating system of the Apple Vision Pro—with more modern graphic elements, transparencies, and depth effects that aim to achieve greater aesthetic uniformity.
The visual update is expected to debut simultaneously on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch, standardizing the user experience across all devices. Some rumors even suggest an internal codename for the redesign ('Solarium'), evoking bright, crystalline environments. For the iPad, the refresh could include multitasking improvements and changes to window management, bringing the device even closer to a computer-like experience.
Motivations and background of change
The decision to use the year as the version number stems from a desire for brand consistency and to simplify daily operations for both users and developers. The different numbering systems, a consequence of their different historical starting points, had caused some confusion over time, especially for those who use multiple Apple devices.
By adopting the year as a reference—always advancing a number, given that the useful life of each system primarily extends the year following its introduction—the company ensures that identifying the different versions is much more intuitive and easy to follow.
This move is reminiscent of what happened at other tech companies and at Apple itself with products like the iPad, which stopped using numbers and simply referred to each model by its corresponding generation. However, in the realm of operating systems, the year will become more prominent , although devices (like the iPhone or Apple Watch) will continue to use their own numbering system.
Other news and expansion of the ecosystem
Alongside this reorganization, Apple is also reportedly exploring new applications and services focused on video games , according to recent reports. The company may introduce a platform specifically dedicated to gaming, beyond Apple Arcade, which could replace or evolve the current Game Center and facilitate the integration of games across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Furthermore, it has strengthened its creative team with the acquisition of studios like RAC7 Games, reinforcing its commitment to developing its own titles for its ecosystem.
In this way, the company seeks to strengthen both the uniformity of its software and the entertainment and creativity possibilities for users of all ages and profiles.
Announced at WWDC 2025, this strategy will mark a new era for Apple and its operating systems, where numerical clarity and a refreshed design will take center stage. This change will simplify the daily lives of those who use multiple Apple devices and establish a new benchmark that other manufacturers will likely follow.