Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just around the corner, officially set for June 10, 2025. While WWDC traditionally focuses on software updates across Apple’s ecosystem, this year’s event could mark a historic shift in the company’s naming convention. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple may rebrand iOS 19 as iOS 26, signaling a move toward year-based versioning across all of its platforms.
📆 Apple to Introduce iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025
Rather than launching iOS 19, Apple is expected to skip several version numbers and adopt a unified naming system based on the calendar year. Under this new system, Apple’s operating systems would be renamed as follows:
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iOS 26 (replacing iOS 19)
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macOS 26 (replacing macOS 16)
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iPadOS 26 (replacing iPadOS 19)
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watchOS 26 (replacing watchOS 12)
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tvOS 26 (replacing tvOS 19)
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visionOS 26 (replacing visionOS 3)
This change is expected to be announced during WWDC 2025, alongside first previews of Apple’s upcoming software updates.
📈 Why the Name Change? Apple Aims for Brand Consistency
Apple’s current software naming structure has led to confusion across its product lines due to inconsistent version numbers. For example, macOS and watchOS have significantly different versioning schemes compared to iOS. These disparities stem from their staggered release histories, and they can make it harder for users and developers to track which system is most up-to-date.
By shifting to a year-based naming convention, Apple hopes to achieve:
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Brand alignment across platforms
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Simplified version tracking for users and developers
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A unified identity for the Apple ecosystem
This strategy mirrors what automobile manufacturers have done for years — naming products according to the model year instead of sequential numbering. Starting with “26” to represent 2026, this system would make it easier for consumers to understand when a software version was released and how current it is.
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🎨 “Solarium”: Apple’s Biggest UI Overhaul Since iOS 7
In addition to the rebranding, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that WWDC 2025 will bring Apple’s most significant user interface redesign in over a decade. Codenamed “Solarium”, this revamp will introduce a glass-like, modern aesthetic inspired by visionOS — the operating system behind the Apple Vision Pro.
Key design goals include:
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A more fluid, immersive, and futuristic interface
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A unified visual language across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, and other platforms
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Enhanced consistency when switching between devices
The redesign is expected to affect not just iOS but also tvOS, watchOS, and parts of visionOS, creating a more coherent experience across Apple’s entire product lineup. This shift is said to surpass even the iOS 7 design overhaul in 2013, making it a central highlight of WWDC 2025.
What to Expect at WWDC 2025
With all these changes in motion, WWDC 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting and transformative Apple events in recent memory. Here’s what we expect to be announced:
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Official reveal of iOS 26 and other newly branded operating systems
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First look at the Solarium UI design
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Release of developer betas across all platforms
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Possible new AI features and improvements to system intelligence
📌 Final Thoughts
If Apple officially unveils iOS 26 at WWDC 2025, it won't just be a version number upgrade — it will be a statement of intent. A shift toward year-based naming represents Apple’s ambition to streamline its software ecosystem, enhance clarity, and prepare for a future driven by consistency and cohesion across all devices.
The new Solarium design only adds to the excitement, hinting at a bolder, more futuristic Apple experience across iPhones, Macs, iPads, and wearables.
Stay tuned — June 10 could be the day Apple rewrites the rules for how we think about iOS and beyond.
