Apple is not skipping iOS 19 to advance to the superior iOS 26—the change in naming is not a version overhaul but more a strategy for consistency.
Naming conventions allow us to keep track of successive generations of products and services, so is Apple bringing in an iOS 26 naming change to show us just how much it has leveled up? No, it’s not about a monumental scale-up in capabilities but the Apple OS name change is a way to identify the version by year. Apple’s renaming of the operating system has less to do with its capabilities advancing from iOS 18 to iOS 26, but will instead reflect the upcoming release.
The iOS versioning overhaul was uncovered by Bloombergwhich cited unnamed sources for the report on the change. The current iOS naming tradition will end not just for iOS, but also iPad OS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, all of which currently feature different version numbers. The iOS version jump should help standardize a uniform number across these various platforms which will be beneficial as a reference point, but it could also create the illusion of progress and productivity instead of actually upgrading service to such a mammoth degree.
The iOS 26 naming change will be confusing initially, but customers will get accustomed to the change over time. (Image: Pexels)
Apple OS Name Change Coming Next Year—All Set for iOS 26?
The iOS 26 naming change has been initiated to eliminate any confusion around its different platforms and the separate versions that are currently available for them. The iPhone currently functions on iOS 18, similar to the iPadOS 18, however, the MacBook is currently on macOS 15. The Apple Watch came out even later and is currently on version 12, and the most recent Apple Vision Pro is the newest product on the market, shipping with visionOS 2.
This alternating naming convention makes it difficult to identify which OS is available with the latest products, and confusion is never good for a brand. With the Apple OS name change, the company will be able to offer some consistency to its users. The iOS 26 naming change isn’t a one-time change and will set a new convention and identification strategy for the coming years.
Samsung already made a similar switch with its Galaxy smartphones, and we’re currently on the S25 series, so we know such a strategic move can be successful.
When Will We Learn More About the iOS Version Jump?
The iOS versioning overhaul will likely be announced at the upcoming WWDC 2025 event on June 9, where Apple traditionally provides its customers with insights into its internal ongoings. As Apple renames its operating systems, the company is also planning to bring in its biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 was released in 2013.
The combination of the Apple OS name change paired with the upgrades to its system could usher in a new era of success for the Cupertino company, which appears to be the goal. Now, with Apple skipping iOS 19, there could be some confusion while referring to previous versions now, considering not all fans will be aware of the change. Many might truly expect a big leap in quality and capability and then walk away disappointed when the OS doesn’t live up to expectations.
With the next iPhone 17 lineup right around the corner, there is a lot of conversation about the brand and what it has to offer. From a thin phone to a chunky phone and a HomePod control center with a display, there are a few different projects that Apple is cooking up to see which lands best. Who knows, the Apple OS name change could just be distracting enough to keep fans from asking too many questions about Apple Intelligence and the promised upgrades to Siri.
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