Apple Set to Revolutionize iOS Branding with iOS 26 Launch at WWDC 2025, Ditching Traditional Version Numbers

WWDC 2025 is set to begin in June, and there are speculations that Apple might reveal iOS 19, the newest operating system update for the iPhone, along with additional firmware upgrades for its devices. However, a recent report suggests that iOS 19 may not be released at all. Although the company plans to showcase the forthcoming iOS firmware, it is expected that it won’t be referred to as iOS 19. The report indicates that Apple is reconsidering its naming strategy for iOS.

Apple to Showcase iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19

For some time, it has been anticipated that Apple may implement substantial changes regarding its operating systems this year. The speculation was initially focused on core design and functionality modifications, but it appears that the adjustment may initiate with the naming convention itself. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the tech giant from Cupertino is likely to shift from an iteration-based strategy to a year-based approach for naming its OS updates.

This may imply that OS updates will be identified by the year they are launched rather than by a version number, as suggested by sources familiar with the plans. Consequently, iOS 19 may actually be termed iOS 26, iPadOS 19 could transition to iPadOS 26, macOS 16 might be renamed macOS 26, and so forth. Reports indicate that the company will utilize the upcoming year in the naming of its firmware versions instead of the current one.

The anticipated updates for Apple’s operating systems that are likely to be revealed at WWDC 2025 include:

Importantly, Apple’s operating system updates are labeled with different versions since they do not launch simultaneously. Currently, iOS 18 is the newest update for the iPhone, while macOS 15 is included with all Mac devices. At the same time, the newly launched Apple Vision Pro operates on visionOS 2. Thus, Apple aims to implement this change to enhance “consistency in its branding” and eliminate a naming system that might confuse both customers and developers.

This upcoming change and all related features are anticipated to be highlighted during the WWDC 2025 keynote event scheduled for June 9.