Apple may soon update its operating system naming scheme to align with the release year, moving from versions like iOS 19 to iOS 26. This change, suggested by Bloomberg News, could be confirmed at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9. The new approach will also apply to iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, aiming to reduce user and developer confusion. Additionally, a significant visual overhaul, codenamed Solarium, is anticipated, marking the most substantial design update since iOS 7. Features like external display support for iOS and a new menu bar for iPadOS 26 are also expected.
Apple appears to be moving away from its traditional operating system naming conventions in favor of a method aligned with the year of release. According to a recent report from Bloomberg News, Apple plans to match its new operating systems with the year following their launch, much like the practice followed in the US automotive industry.
This means we can expect iOS 26 this fall instead of iOS 19, with this shift likely to be confirmed at the upcoming Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled to start on June 9.
Reports indicate that Apple will adopt the same naming strategy for its other operating systems, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This change aims to create more consistency across Apple’s operating systems, reducing confusion for users and developers alike.
Speculation regarding a significant visual redesign across Apple’s operating systems has been circulating for some time. Recent reports suggest that this new visual identity, codenamed Solarium, will be rolled out across all platforms, including watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
Previous indications have hinted that this could be the most substantial design overhaul since the launch of iOS 7 in 2013. iOS is also rumored to gain support for external displays and a redesigned Camera app, while iPadOS 26 is expected to introduce a menu bar akin to that of macOS.
Source (paywall)