Apple to Redesign Operating Systems, Ditches iOS Name

Apple is reportedly planning to rebrand its next major operating systems as part of a larger overhaul. Instead of iOS 18, the new iteration will be known as iOS 26. Bloomberg also reported that the next macOS will be called macOS 14, while the next iPadOS will be iPadOS 16. The rebranding is part of Apple's efforts to refresh its software lineup.

Apple is set to revolutionize its software naming conventions with an upcoming rebranding of its major operating systems. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will shift from its traditional version numbering system to a year-based naming convention, beginning with iOS 26 [1]. This change is part of a broader effort to simplify and unify Apple's software ecosystem.

The new naming scheme will apply to all of Apple's major operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This means that instead of iOS 18, the next iteration will be known as iOS 26. Similarly, the next versions of iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS will be renamed to iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, respectively [1].

The rebranding is part of Apple's strategy to enhance consistency and reduce confusion for both users and developers. Currently, Apple's software versions are scattered across different numbers, making it difficult for users and developers to track the latest updates. By adopting a year-based naming system, Apple aims to streamline this process and create a more cohesive software ecosystem [2].

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025 is expected to be a pivotal moment for this change. Alongside the new naming convention, Apple is also rumored to unveil a significant redesign of its operating systems, drawing inspiration from visionOS, the interface used in its Vision Pro headset [2].

The new macOS version, currently referred to as macOS 16, will be called macOS 14 under the new naming scheme. Similarly, the next iteration of iPadOS will be known as iPadOS 16 [1]. These changes are expected to bring a fresh look to Apple's software, with a more unified design language across all devices.

The shift to year-based naming is not just a cosmetic change; it reflects Apple's commitment to simplifying its software ecosystem. By aligning all of its operating systems under a single, easy-to-understand naming structure, Apple hopes to make its software more intuitive and accessible to users [2].

As Apple continues to evolve its software offerings, the new naming convention will help maintain consistency and clarity. This change is part of a broader strategy to streamline user experience and facilitate smoother updates and compatibility across Apple's diverse range of devices.

References:
[1] https://bgr.com/tech/ios-26-is-coming-this-fall-as-apple-rebrands-its-operating-systems/
[2] https://www.newsx.com/tech-and-auto/why-is-apple-renaming-operating-systems-by-year-instead-of-numbers-starting-with-ios-26/