Apple to Rename Operating Systems by Year: What to Expect in 2025

Apple switches to year-based OS names starting iOS 26. Discover key WWDC 2025 updates and what this means for your Apple devices.
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Apple to Rename Operating Systems by Year: What to Expect in 2025
Apple is transforming how it names its operating systems, a move aimed at simplifying and streamlining its software branding. If you’ve been wondering, “How will Apple name its new operating systems?” or “What changes to expect with iOS and macOS naming?” , the latest reports from Bloomberg provide clear answers. Instead of sequential numbers like iOS 19, Apple plans to jump directly to naming its systems by the year—starting with iOS 26 in 2026. This shift extends across the Apple ecosystem, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and even the emerging visionOS, all adopting a year-based naming convention for greater consistency.                    Image Credits:David Paul Morris / Bloomberg / Getty Images This new naming strategy is expected to reduce confusion among users and developers alike, offering a more straightforward way to identify OS versions tied directly to calendar years. Alongside this update, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, is poised to r…