Not iOS 19, but iOS 26 — Apple is changing its OS naming strategy

Apple moves to year-based naming for its operating systems

Apple is preparing to introduce a major change in the way it names its operating systems. According to Bloomberg (May 28, 2025), the company plans to skip iOS 19 and jump straight to iOS 26 with this year’s fall release.

Starting this year, Apple will match OS versions with the last two digits of the release year. So, in 2026, we’ll see iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and so on. This approach aims to bring clarity and consistency across the ecosystem for users and developers alike.

Why is Apple changing the version system?

Currently, Apple’s platforms use inconsistent version numbers — iOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 12, visionOS 2, etc. This creates confusion when tracking updates or comparing systems. The new naming strategy solves this by aligning versions by calendar year.

Apple is following in the footsteps of Samsung and Microsoft, who already name their products by year. It’s also similar to how car manufacturers label model years.

How will it affect users and developers?

This change will make it easier for users to understand what’s new. For example, if iOS 26 and macOS 26 are released together, it’s clear they belong to the same update cycle.

Developers will benefit too — with simpler documentation, testing, and compatibility processes. Apple is expected to officially announce this at WWDC on June 9, 2025.

We may also see UI updates across platforms to create a more unified experience.

Will iPhone names change too?

For now, the change applies only to software. Apple is still set to launch iPhone 17 in September 2025, and there are no signs the iPhone naming system will change — likely to maintain brand recognition and customer familiarity.

This change shows Apple’s continued focus on clarity and usability. While other companies adopted year-based naming long ago, Apple is now embracing this method to reduce confusion and streamline its ecosystem.

Jumping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 might leave users wondering “What happened to the missing versions?”, but Apple is expected to explain this thoroughly.

What to expect at WWDC 2025

At the WWDC event on June 9, 2025, we expect:

• Official release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26
• More consistent cross-device interfaces
• Explanation of the new versioning logic
• Clarification on whether iPhone model names will change

Conclusion: Apple embraces a clearer system

Skipping from iOS 18 to iOS 26 marks a strategic evolution in Apple’s software naming. It aims to make things simpler for both users and developers. While the leap may initially raise questions, the benefits will become obvious in the long run. Expect more insights at WWDC 2025.