Apple is planning a major change to its operating system names by switching to a year-based system for all its devices, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported.
What’s Changing?
According to sources, Apple will begin renaming its operating systems starting in 2025, using the following year rather than version numbers. Gurman mentioned that iOS 18 will be renamed iOS 26, with similar updates for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This change is intended to create consistent branding, as the current numbering varies due to different launch dates.
Background on Naming Shift
Mark Gurman said Apple’s shift to year-based naming follows trends from other tech companies like Samsung, which named phones by launch year, and Microsoft, which used years for Windows versions in the 1990s.
Unlike them, Apple will use the upcoming year, so software releasing in late 2025 will be called “26,” similar to how carmakers name future models. Gurman added that Apple has used year-based names before with software like iWork ’08 and iLife ’11.
Features and Software Updates
Sources said Apple will introduce several new features as part of this update:
- iPad Experience: The iPad will receive updates that make it work more like a Mac for easier office use.
- AI Integration: Third-party developers will get access to the Apple Intelligence platform.
- Siri and AirPods: A live-translation feature is expected.
- Vision Pro: An eye-scrolling function will be added to the headset.
- Health and Battery: AI-driven health tools and improved battery management are in progress.
- Keyboard and Pencil Tools: A bidirectional Arabic-English keyboard and a digital calligraphy pen for Apple Pencil will launch.
- Gaming: A new app focused on gaming for Apple devices is currently in the works.
Gurman said the new naming system will come alongside a unified design update, bringing a visionOS-style interface to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
WWDC 2025
The new naming system and software updates are expected to be unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which begins Monday, with the keynote set for 10 AM PDT (10:30 PM IST) on June 9.