Apple is ditching its traditional iOS naming convention in favor of a consistent approach, mirroring Windows operating systems from the past. The company will use the last two digits of the upcoming year for its software updates.
Apple is reportedly changing its software naming system, adopting a consistent approach that may seem familiar to fans of Windows operating systems from the past.
Under the new system, Apple will use the last two digits of the upcoming year for its software updates. This means that the current iOS 18 will be replaced by iOS 26, not iOS 19, when it arrives in the fall of 2025. Similarly, iPadOS, MacOS, WatchOS, TVOS, and VisionOS will also adopt this naming convention.
The goal behind this new system is to bring consistency to Apple’s branding and remove confusion among users. Currently, different operating systems use different numbers since they didn’t debut at the same time. However, with the new system, all devices will have their software updates named using the last two digits of the upcoming year.
Apple is expected to announce the name change and more cohesive user interfaces across devices at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9. This event will also provide an opportunity for the company to discuss its plans for the new naming system and how it will benefit users.
It’s worth noting that the Bloomberg story did not mention renaming iPhones, which currently use the model number 16 (released in February) and are expected to be followed by iPhone 17 (announced in September). There is no word on whether the iPhone 26 lineup will be announced instead of iPhone 17.
