Apple is expected to unveil the next iteration of its iPhone operating system at WWDC next month. However, a new report suggests a significant shift: instead of iOS 19, we might be looking at the introduction of iOS 26, signaling a major overhaul in Apple’s software branding strategy.
A Unified Naming Scheme for Apple’s Ecosystem?
According to a Bloomberg report by noted Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the tech giant is planning to move away from sequential numbering for its operating systems. The next version of iOS is rumored to be called iOS 26. Gurman describes this as “the most sweeping change yet to its operating system names.” This new year-based identification system isn’t expected to be limited to iOS; Apple may also announce iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.
Why the Sudden Change in Strategy?
The primary motivation behind this potential rebranding, as per Gurman’s sources, is Apple’s desire to “bring consistency to its branding.” The company also aims to “move away from an approach that can be confusing to customers and developers.” Currently, Apple’s software platforms feature different version numbers (e.g., iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, visionOS 2) because they were launched at different times. While this change might not significantly impact the daily experience for most users, who primarily want their devices to function seamlessly, Apple might see it as a marketing advantage to help promote and sell more devices under a unified branding umbrella.
The Mystery of “26”: Looking Ahead of the Launch Year
One perplexing detail in the rumor is the choice of “26” for an operating system expected to launch in the fall of 2025. Why not iOS 25, aligning with the release year? Gurman points out Samsung’s 2020 move to rename its Galaxy S line to S20 (from a potential S11) to match the launch year. Perhaps Apple intends to follow a similar year-based convention for its iPhones in the future. However, by opting for the subsequent year’s number (26 for a 2025 release), Apple might be drawing parallels with how automakers name new models, effectively dating the software for the majority of its expected lifespan rather than its initial release.
The potential shift to iOS 26 and a unified, year-based naming system for all its operating systems represents a significant strategic move for Apple. While the exact reasoning behind the “26” remains speculative, official details are anticipated at Apple’s upcoming developer event—which, for now, we assume is still WWDC25, not WWDC26.
