Apple Inc. is reportedly set to introduce iOS 26 at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, marking a significant departure from its previous sequential numbering system by adopting a year-based naming convention.
Sources close to Apple’s development team suggest the company will bypass the expected iOS 19 label and instead designate the new operating system version as iOS 26, corresponding with the year 2026. This change is viewed as a strategic move aimed at simplifying the identification of software versions for consumers and developers alike.
Since its inception in 2007, Apple’s iOS updates have traditionally followed a sequential numbering scheme. However, the latest reports indicate that Apple intends to align its iOS naming with the calendar year, a practice already common among several technology companies. This shift is expected to make it easier for users to associate updates with their release timelines and understand compatibility with devices.
Apple’s annual WWDC event, slated for June 2025, has been the typical venue for unveiling major software updates, and it is anticipated that the company will confirm this new naming strategy during the keynote address. The change to a year-based system may also reflect Apple’s effort to improve transparency in its software lifecycle and update policies.
Industry analysts note that while the naming convention shift offers clarity benefits, it could initially cause confusion among users familiar with the sequential numbering. However, developers are likely to welcome the change, as it simplifies planning for app updates and ensures synchronization with other Apple products and services.
Apple has not yet issued an official statement regarding the naming change or the specifics of iOS 26, but the tech community is closely watching for announcements at WWDC 2025. If confirmed, this move would represent one of the most substantial rebrandings in Apple’s iOS history.
