Apple is gearing up for a big change in how it names its operating systems. A new report hints that the tech giant is moving away from its traditional numbering scheme for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more, opting for a year-based approach that could make things a lot clearer for users. With a massive visual refresh also in the works, Apple’s next big reveal at WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a game-changer. Here’s what we know so far.
A revised OS naming scheme
According to Bloomberg News (paywalled), Apple plans to name its next operating systems after the year following their release, meaning this fall we could see iOS 26 instead of iOS 19. The shift, expected to be confirmed at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, will apply across the board to iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The idea is to streamline things, making it easier for users and developers to keep track of updates, much like how some car models are named for the upcoming year. So, expect iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and so on, all launching with a consistent naming vibe.
But it’s not just about names—Apple’s cooking up a major design overhaul, codenamed Solarium, that’ll hit all its operating systems. Word is, this could be the biggest visual shake-up since iOS 7 in 2013, bringing a fresh look to everything from your iPhone to your Apple Vision Pro.
For iOS 26, rumors point to new tricks like external display support and a redesigned Camera app. “iPadOS 26” is expected to borrow a page from macOS with a new menu bar, boosting productivity for tablet users. While details on watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS are still scarce, the Solarium overhaul promises a cohesive, modern style across Apple’s ecosystem.
With WWDC just weeks away—scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 13—the excitement is building for Apple’s bold new direction. Will iOS 26 and its siblings live up to the hype? We’ll find out soon, but for now, it seems Apple is focused on making its software as fresh and user-friendly as possible.
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