Apple is reportedly set to make a significant change in its operating systems’ naming convention by adopting year-based version numbers. According to a report, this shift is expected to be announced at the WWDC25 event on June 9, 2025.

This change aims to establish consistency across all of Apple’s operating systems for the first time. Starting with software releases anticipated in September 2025, Apple plans to rebrand its operating systems to use the “26” designation, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

Sources familiar with the plans, who chose to remain anonymous, suggest that the upcoming iOS 19 will be launched as iOS 26. Apple has not commented on these rumored changes.

The current naming system has led to confusion among users and developers, as various operating systems employ differing version numbers that do not align. For instance, the latest versions include iOS 18, watchOS 12, macOS 15, and visionOS 2—numbers reflecting the launch years instead of their contemporary versions.

The change to a year-based naming strategy is aimed at providing a more coherent brand experience, simplifying the process for users to understand which software versions work together across devices. Furthermore, Apple is planning refreshed user interfaces across platforms under a project called “Solarium,” ensuring a more consistent experience when switching between devices.

This decision aligns with practices adopted by other technology giants. Samsung transitioned to year-based naming for its Galaxy S smartphones in 2020, while Microsoft has utilized this strategy since the 1990s with its Windows operating system.

Notably, Apple will designate the software with the upcoming year rather than the current one, mimicking how automotive companies market their products. In addition to the naming overhaul, Apple is set to introduce substantial functionality enhancements, which include Mac-like features for the iPad and opening its AI models to third-party developers.

New features will incorporate live translation for AirPods and Siri, eye-scrolling controls for the Vision Pro headset, and AI-powered health capabilities, among others. Although Apple previously tested year-based naming for its iWork and iLife software suites back in 2007, this initiative was eventually abandoned.