Apple might be about to make a major change to how it names its operating systems

Date:
Wed, 28 May 2025 23:58:41 +0000

Description:
A new report suggests that Apple will change its naming convention for operating systems, transitioning from generational numbers to a year-based system.

FULL STORY ======================================================================A new report from Bloomberg says Apple will change how it numbers its operating systems The change will be to match the year, so not iOS 19 but iOS 26 It's said the change will be for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS as
well

With just 12 days until Apples WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9, 2025, with an opening keynote, rumors and reports are coming in hot about what the tech giant might announce. Given that its the Worldwide Developers Conference,
were expecting CEO Tim Cook and a slew of executives to walk us through the next generation of platforms.

Up until a new report, we fully expected iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 , the next generation of macOS with a unique spot in California, giving it a name, and new versions of watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, all going up by one number.

According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman , though, Apple might be throwing a curveball and ditching the concept of naming the software by the next generational number. The report states that instead of unveiling iOS 19, the successor to iOS 18, Apple will introduce iOS 26. (Image credit: Future)

The next Apple operating systems will be identified by year, rather than with a version number, the report reads. Alongside iOS jumping to 26, it appears that Apple might roll out iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and maybe most shockingly, visionOS 26. The latter would be the most significant jump, as we currently only have visionOS 2, and the Vision Pro as a whole is not an aging device.

It appears that Apples change, at least as described in this report, is aimed at clearing up some confusion and establishing uniformity in its branding.
The new naming convention is rumored to arrive along with a far-reaching design refresh dubbed solarium that is expected to affect every one of Apples platforms iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS included.

Im personally excited about the more transparent design refresh for the iPhones software and the rest of the platforms; itll reinvigorate and make
the whole experience feel a bit cleaner, at least I think so. However, this new naming convention is a bit more confusing to me Apple seems to be taking an approach similar to car manufacturers, naming its software for the year ahead.

That feels a little confusing on paper, but Im curious to see how Apple explains this on stage. It could also signal that the now delayed AI-powered Siri the landmark feature of Apple Intelligence may not land until 2026 though thats really anyone's guess for an arrival. (Image credit: Apple/Future)

Apple wouldnt be the first company to take a leap of faith with its naming conventions. Samsung jumped from the Galaxy S10 family to the Galaxy S20 ,
and Microsoft has tried this for a few years, then reverted to generational numbers.

The new naming strategy for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS, wont be the only news or changes, though. Were expecting that redesign across platforms, plus the potential for a dedicated gaming app for the iPhone,
iPad, and Mac, a redesigned translation app, and some enhancements to the Apple Intelligence feature set.

Of course, this should all be taken with a grain of salt for now, but well be reporting live from Cupertino come June 9, 2025, to break down everything
that Apple announces at WWDC 2025 so stick with TechRadar. You might also like Apples next big event is officially coming in June heres what to expect from WWDC 2025 watchOS 12 and tvOS 19 tipped to get a visual revamp, to match the 'Solarium' update coming to iOS 19 and macOS 16 Apples rumored iOS 19 gaming app is exciting for Apple fans, but it wont tempt gamers from Windows Disneyland turns 70, and it's celebrating with MagicBand+, LED spectacles,
and next-gen shows



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/apple-might-be-about-to-make-a-ma jor-change-to-how-it-names-its-operating-systems


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)