Summary:
1. Apple is planning to change its software naming approach and skip iOS 19 in favor of a more intuitive system.
2. The new naming convention will involve using the year for each platform, such as iOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26.
3. This change is expected to be announced at WWDC 2025 and may include a more unified UI across Apple’s devices.
Article:
Apple is shaking up its software naming conventions, with reports indicating that the tech giant will be skipping iOS 19 and adopting a more intuitive system. The current confusion surrounding Apple’s software versions, such as iOS 18, watchOS 11, and macOS 15, will soon be a thing of the past. According to a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, Apple will be transitioning to a naming convention based on the year of release, starting with iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and more. This shift will make it easier for users to identify when a platform was released and differentiate between legacy versions.
This move by Apple follows in the footsteps of other tech companies like Samsung, who have already implemented a similar naming strategy for their flagship devices. Microsoft’s Windows operating systems also provide a notable example of using the year in their naming conventions. However, Apple will be using the following year for its naming scheme, rather than the actual year of release, adding a unique twist to the approach. This change is expected to be officially announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9 and may be accompanied by a new and more cohesive user interface across all Apple devices.
By adopting this new naming convention, Apple aims to streamline its software branding and make it easier for users to understand the chronology of their platforms. This shift reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards clearer and more intuitive naming conventions, ultimately benefiting consumers and enhancing user experience. Stay tuned for further updates from Apple as they unveil their revamped software naming strategy at WWDC 2025.
