Apple Inc. is planning a significant overhaul of its operating system naming conventions as part of a broader software transformation across its device lineup. According to insiders, the next-generation operating systems will adopt a year-based naming approach instead of version numbers. This change means the current iOS 18 will transition to "iOS 26," and similar updates will occur for other systems, resulting in iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
The aim of this change is to achieve brand consistency and eliminate confusion for users and developers caused by the existing versioning system. Currently, operating systems like iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2 use different version numbers, which do not align with simultaneous initial releases.
Apple's spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. The company is expected to announce these changes at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9. Alongside the naming overhaul, there will be updates to the operating system user interfaces to ensure a seamless experience when switching between devices. The new interface, reportedly codenamed "Solarium," will cover tvOS, watchOS, and parts of visionOS.
