Archive · 2 Jun 2025
Apple's iOS 26 in 2025: New Naming and Interface on the Way
Apple plans to revamp its software naming strategy by using the year following the release.
For example, the software launching in 2025 will be called iOS 26.
This change aims to simplify the naming process across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Along with this, new features are expected, like a redesigned user interface, enhanced AI tools, and a gaming app.
The decision has sparked some confusion and jokes, as the software will be named for the upcoming year rather than the current one.
Apple will launch iOS 26 and other OS with a year-based naming convention in 2025.
The new naming system will align all operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
A redesigned user interface, codenamed "Solarium", will be implemented.
New AI-powered tools and a gaming app are expected.
The naming change has caused confusion and prompted some jokes on social media.
- Who
- Apple
- What
- Major software updates, a new interface, new AI tools, a gaming app, and new OS naming conventions
- When
- June 9 (WWDC 2025)
- Where
- Across Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watch, and Apple TV
- Why
- To update its software, offer new features and align the naming conventions of its OS.
- Software Launch Year
- 2026 (for software launching in 2025)
- Operating Systems Affected
- iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS
- WWDC 2025 Start Date
- June 9
- Interface Update Codename
- Solarium
- New Feature Examples
- AI-powered tools, gaming app, new interface
Sources
iOS 19 or iOS 26? Apple plans a big jump in how it names its software
Apple to rename iPhone software to iOS 26 in 2025 in WWDC: Expectations
Apple May Unveil iOS 26 at WWDC 2025 Instead of iOS 19; Said to Adopt Year-Based Naming Strategy
iOS 26, not iOS 19: Apple may replace version numbers with years for iOS, macOS, and all its other operating systems
Elon Musk has a question on Apple changing names of software that powers iPhones, iPads and Macs: What happens in ...
Apple WWDC 2025: 5 major announcements to expect from iPhone maker's annual developer conference