Apple is reportedly planning to overhaul its operating system naming convention, switching from the traditional iOS 19, macOS 15 pattern to a new system where each major version will be named after the release year. If this change happens, we can expect to see iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 27 in the near future. The shift is expected to align with Apple’s typical autumn release schedule, with the first public versions of these operating systems debuting later this year.
The reason behind this change is to simplify the branding across various devices, as some existing software naming conventions can be confusing. For instance, the Apple Watch runs watchOS 11, while the Apple Vision Pro uses visionOS 2. This new system would provide a more unified experience for users and make it easier for them to keep track of the latest updates.
The plan is set to be announced on June 9, when Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference takes place. However, no official confirmation has been made by Apple, so we’ll have to wait for further details at the conference to confirm whether this change is indeed happening.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/apple-may-switch-its-os-numbering-system-to-match-the-release-year-turning-ios-19-into-ios-26-193424796.html