Apple is preparing to make a dramatic change to the way it names its operating systems, according to a new report.
Instead of using numbers that show how many versions have been released, Apple will now name each system by year.
For example, this year’s software updates will be called iOS 26 and MacOS 26, reflecting the coming year, not the version.
The change will affect all of Apple’s major platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Watch, TV, and Vision Pro headset.
That means we can expect iPadOS 26, WatchOS 26, tvOS 26 and VisionOS 26 to launch alongside the others this year.
The current system uses numbers like iOS 18 or VisionOS 2, which often confuse users trying to track release dates.
By switching to yearly names, Apple aims to make the system easier to understand and more consistent across devices.
The company has followed an annual update cycle for years, but the version numbers did not always reflect that clearly.
This new naming method will line up better with Apple’s predictable release pattern, offering users more clarity going forward.
Apple is expected to announce the change at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which takes place in June.
Alongside the rebranding, Apple may unveil big design changes influenced by the transparent look of the Vision Pro headset.
MacOS is the only system to have had name changes before, previously switching from cats to California-themed labels.
With this move, Apple seems ready to bring all its systems under one clear, modern naming standard.
