Apple May Skip iOS 19 and Jump to iOS 26: WWDC 2025 keynote
Apple is reportedly preparing to revamp how it names its operating systems, starting with the iOS platform in 2025. According to a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, instead of launching the expected iOS 19, Apple might skip ahead and unveil iOS 26 at its upcoming WWDC 2025 keynote, scheduled for June 9.
This would be a major shift in Apple’s software naming convention, aligning the version numbers with the year of release — a method that companies like Microsoft have used in the past with versions such as Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 2000.
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A Long-Standing Naming Tradition May Be Ending
Since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, Apple has followed a sequential naming system for iOS, going from iOS 1 up to iOS 18 (current version as of 2024). But if this report proves accurate, 2025 will mark a radical departure from that system, with Apple introducing iOS 26 to reflect the year 2026 (possibly because of development or release overlap).
The change won’t just apply to iOS. Reports suggest Apple will unify its software naming across all major platforms, including:
- iPadOS 26
- macOS 26
- visionOS 26
- watchOS 26
This could bring a more consistent and unified branding approach across Apple’s ecosystem — something that many users and developers have wanted for years.
Why the Sudden Change?
While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the name change, the move appears to be a strategic decision to modernize its OS branding and avoid confusion in the future. Currently, Apple’s different platforms are on inconsistent version numbers — for instance:
- iOS and iPadOS are on version 18
- watchOS is on version 11
- macOS uses names like Sonoma and Ventura, with a version number (e.g., macOS 14)
Switching to a year-based version system could make it easier for users to understand which versions are current, especially when managing multiple Apple devices across different platforms.
How This Impacts the Apple Ecosystem
This potential shift could help Apple simplify its software strategy across devices. Having all platforms share the same version number, such as 26 in this case, brings harmony and better cross-device integration — a cornerstone of Apple’s user experience.
For example, if you’re running iOS 26 on your iPhone, you’ll know your iPad is compatible with iPadOS 26, your Mac with macOS 26, and so on. It creates a sense of cohesion that’s easy to track for developers, IT admins, and even casual users.
It also makes Apple’s OS updates feel more like a unified rollout, instead of multiple fragmented versions for different devices.
Will iOS 26 Run on Older iPhones?
If the name change goes ahead, it could lead to interesting contrasts — such as iOS 26 running on an older iPhone 11, which was released years ago. While the naming change might be purely cosmetic, the underlying performance requirements and supported devices will still depend on hardware capabilities.
Apple usually supports iPhones for around 5–6 years, so we can expect iOS 26 to run on devices at least as old as the iPhone 12 series — though that’s yet to be confirmed.
A New Look for iOS?
Aside from the renaming, Apple is also expected to introduce one of the biggest UI and design overhauls for iOS in years. Leaks and rumors suggest iOS 26 could feature a redesigned home screen, smarter widgets, more AI integration, and other enhancements aimed at improving productivity and customization.
Combined with the new naming system, this could be one of the most significant iOS releases since iOS 7 — which introduced a radical visual redesign in 2013.
What to Expect at WWDC 2025
All eyes are now on Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote on June 9, where the company is expected to unveil iOS 26 and provide clarity on the naming strategy. We might also get first looks at iPadOS 26, macOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 — as well as deeper integration between them.
This could signal Apple’s intent to create a seamless, cross-device experience backed by consistent branding and smarter software.
Final Thoughts
If Apple does adopt a year-based versioning system, it could mark a bold new era for the tech giant’s software. While a change in naming might seem small at first, it reflects a broader push toward clarity, consistency, and deeper integration across the Apple ecosystem.
With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, we won’t have to wait long to see if iOS 26 really becomes the new face of Apple’s mobile operating system.
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