iOS 26: Apple is expected to unveil iOS 26 — not iOS 19 — at WWDC 2025 on June 9, marking a major shift in how the company labels its operating systems.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this change is part of a massive software rebranding effort, aligning Apple’s OS names with the calendar year, much like Microsoft’s Windows naming approach in the past.
Why iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19?
The idea behind the name change is clarity and consistency. Apple currently has a wide range of version numbers across its ecosystem:
- iPhones are running iOS 18
- iPads are on iPadOS 18
- Macs are at macOS 15
- Vision Pro runs visionOS 2.5
- WatchOS is at version 11.5
These numbers can be confusing for users trying to determine whether they’re using the most current software. By switching to a year-based naming system, Apple aims to simplify things for both consumers and developers.
So in 2025, expect:
- iOS 26
- iPadOS 26
- macOS 26
- watchOS 26
- tvOS 26
- visionOS 26
Why “26” Instead of “25”?
Since iOS and other major Apple software updates typically launch in September or October, naming the OS after the following year ensures it doesn’t feel outdated just a few months later. When iOS 26 launches in Fall 2025, it will carry over as the latest version well into 2026.
This rebranding also aligns with what Apple insiders call one of the biggest UI redesigns in the company’s history. Internally referred to as “Solarium,” the redesign will bring a sleek new look inspired by visionOS — with glass-like translucency, floating elements, pill-shaped tab bars, and more across Apple’s entire ecosystem.
iOS 26 Beta Launch Date and What to Expect
The iOS 26 beta 1 is expected to be released to developers on June 9, 2025, right after the WWDC keynote. The public release is anticipated in September 2025, alongside the launch of the next iPhone lineup.
Some expected features include:
- Redesigned Camera app with a simplified UI
- Improved Siri powered by Apple Intelligence (AI)
- Real-time translation for AirPods
- Health updates in watchOS with new tracking metrics
- AI-powered optimization for performance and battery life
A New Era for Apple Software
This isn’t just about a name. It’s a branding refresh that will bring consistency across devices, better user understanding, and a more unified Apple ecosystem. The move shows Apple’s desire to future-proof its software updates while enhancing usability.
With Mark Gurman calling this “one of the biggest software rebrands in Apple history,” it’s clear that WWDC 2025 won’t just be business as usual — it’s the start of a new chapter in Apple’s design and development philosophy.