Apple’s reportedly cooking up one of its boldest moves in years. According to a Bloomberg report, the Cupertino giant is poised to scrap its traditional version numbering system for its operating systems, replacing it with a sleeker, more forward-looking approach at WWDC this year.
Instead of sticking with incremental updates (think iOS 18 to iOS 19), Apple is allegedly preparing to roll out iOS 26 this fall – a name that jumps several versions ahead, all the way into the following year.
Apple switches its software numbering strategy
This isn’t just about iPhones. The new convention is set to ripple across Apple’s entire ecosystem – iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, even the fledgling visionOS are all poised to get the year-ahead treatment.
At WWDC 2025, expect to see macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and yes, visionOS 26. If it feels a bit like how carmakers debut next year’s models ahead of time, that’s exactly the vibe Apple’s channelling here.
Think of it as a branding flex; future-forward, a touch aspirational, and a whole lot more streamlined than the current scattershot system, with iOS at 18, watchOS at 12, and visionOS still at 2.
ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2025 dates announced
Let’s be honest, Apple’s version numbers were starting to feel…disjointed. A simplified, year-based naming convention not only aligns better with how we think about product cycles but also gives the company a cleaner slate for storytelling.
Instead of parsing which version brings which feature, we’ll be talking about the overarching 2026 release.
And it’s not just about names. Rumours suggest Apple is also prepping a major visual overhaul for its platforms, drawing inspiration from the sleek, spatial design language of visionOS, the operating system that powers the Vision Pro headset. Expect a more unified, immersive interface across devices.
iOS 26 release: Mark your calendar
All will be revealed at WWDC 2025, which kicks off on June 9. The keynote is expected to be packed with not just new features and software previews, but also Apple’s bold new naming strategy – a move that could redefine how we think about iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more.
For the latest news in the world of technology, make sure to follow Unboxed by Croma.
Unleash your inner geek with Croma Unboxed
Subscribe now to stay ahead with the latest articles and updates
You are almost there
Enter your details to subscribe
Happiness unboxed!
Thank you for subscribing to our blog.
Disclaimer: This post as well as the layout and design on this website are protected under Indian intellectual property laws, including the Copyright Act, 1957 and the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and is the property of Infiniti Retail Limited (Croma). Using, copying (in full or in part), adapting or altering this post or any other material from Croma’s website is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from Croma. For permission to use the content on the Croma’s website, please connect on contactunboxed@croma.com
- Related articles
- Popular articles
Dhriti Datta
Comments