Apple Switches to Year-Based Naming for Operating Systems

A comparison chart showing the new 2026 version names across Apple platforms, including iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.

Apple is changing how it names its operating systems. Starting this fall, every major platform from iOS and macOS to watchOS and visionOS will adopt a unified year-based naming system. Instead of continuing with sequential numbers like iOS 18 or watchOS 12, the next releases will all be labeled with the number 26, aligning with the 2026 calendar year.

The new system was announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. The company says the change will make it easier for users and developers to identify the latest software versions and confirm compatibility across devices. With all platforms sharing the same version number, users will no longer need to keep track of different naming timelines.

This update comes alongside a major visual overhaul called Liquid Glass. The refreshed interface adds translucent, dynamic elements throughout the system. The new look is meant to feel fluid and responsive, adapting in real time to the user’s actions. The design aims to create a more unified and immersive experience across all Apple products.

Craig Federighi reveals the name of the next macOS version, “macOS Tahoe,” during the WWDC 2025 keynote presentation.

macOS will also receive a new name with this release. The upcoming version is called macOS Tahoe, continuing Apple’s tradition of naming Mac software after locations in California. Tahoe brings improvements to multitasking, window management, and integration with Apple’s AI tools introduced during the keynote.

The year-based naming system is not entirely new in the tech industry. Companies like Microsoft and Samsung have used it in the past. But for Apple, it marks a significant shift in branding and communication. By aligning software versions with the calendar year, the company can reduce confusion, particularly as users navigate between multiple devices and platforms.

The iOS 26 update screen displaying the new version number and installation options on an iPhone.

Apple is positioning this change as part of a broader effort to modernize and simplify its ecosystem. With more services and devices tied together than ever, having a consistent versioning system could help ensure that everything stays compatible and up to date. This may also influence how software updates are adopted and understood by the public.

Public versions of the new software are expected to roll out alongside the next iPhone in the fall. Developer betas are already available, giving app makers a chance to test their products ahead of the full launch. As Apple continues to expand its platform offerings, this shift in naming could be a foundational change that lasts for years to come.

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