Apple is preparing one of its most notable transformations for all of its operating systems. In June 2025, during the next developer conference (WWDC), the Cupertino firm will announce a new numbering policy that affects both the name and image of iOS and its sister platforms. This change will put an end to the complex and disorganized version sequence the company has been using until now.
The most striking change is that The next iPhone system will not be called iOS 19, as expected, but iOS 26, directly referring to the year in which this version will be valid for most users. The decision not only affects the iPhone, but extends to the entire ecosystem: iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will also adopt the numbering corresponding to the year of release, with the goal of achieving a more consistent and easy-to-understand experience for everyone.
A year-centered nomenclature for all systems
For years, Apple products have featured different numbering due to their different origins and development cycles: While iOS and iPadOS were on version 18, macOS was barely reaching version 15 and watchOS was around version 12. This difference in numbering made it difficult to identify the most recent versions as well as communication between users and developers.
By adding the year to the name—as happened with versions of Windows or Samsung's Galaxy S range—Apple simplifies the lives of its usersFrom now on, knowing whether a device has the latest version of the operating system will be as simple as looking at 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, homogenizing the user experience regardless of the device. Some rumors even suggest the use of an internal name for the redesign ('Solarium'), which would evoke bright, crystalline environments. In the case of the iPad, the update could be accompanied by improvements to multitasking and changes to window management, bringing the device even closer to a computer experience.
Motivations and background of change
The decision to use the year as the version number is a response to a search for brand consistency and to make everyday life easier for both users and developers. The difference in numbering between systems, a result of different historical starting points, had caused some confusion over time, especially for those who live with 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 numbering and simply named each model by its corresponding generation. However, in the realm of operating systems, the year will gain prominence, although devices (such as iPhone or Apple Watch) will continue to maintain their own numbering criteria.
Other news and expansion of the ecosystem
Along with this reorganization, Apple would also be 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 game integration between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It has also strengthened its creative team with the acquisition of studios such as RAC7 Games, consolidating 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, in which the numerical clarity and renewed design will be the main protagonists. This change will make life easier for those who use multiple devices from the brand and will set a new benchmark that other manufacturers will surely follow.