Apple Reportedly Shifting to Year-Based OS Naming, May Rename iOS 19 as iOS 26

Apple is gearing up for the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, where the tech giant is expected to unveil its next-generation operating system, iOS 19. However, a recent report suggests a significant shift in Apple's software naming convention.

Apple Could Rebrand iOS and Other Operating Systems

According to the new report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to rename its operating systems based on the year rather than using sequential version numbers. Gurman suggests that the next-gen iOS 19 will be rebranded as iOS 26. The same change could apply across Apple's entire OS lineup, including iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

iOS 26: What to Expect?

Leaks suggest iOS 19/iOS 26 will be bringing spatial design to the iPhone. According to YouTuber Jon Prosser, who shared mockups based on alleged footage, the operating system might adopt visual elements from VisionOS. Even the keyboard is rumoured to get a redesign, appearing more detached from the base UI for a lighter, hovering effect.

Apple is also said to be working on a revamped Camera app for the next-gen operating system. The update could introduce a new toggle system for switching between photo and video modes, with an expandable menu accessed via a downward arrow. Read our previous story to learn more about the iOS 19/iOS 26.

WWDC 2025 Details

The WWDC 2025 is set to take place from June 9 to June 13 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The event will kick off with a keynote address by Apple CEO Tim Cook at 9 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST) on June 9.