Monday’s Apple Worldwide Builders Convention instantly confirmed the already reported information that Apple is altering the way in which the corporate names its software program updates. It is an strategy that will appear acquainted to anybody who’s aware of Home windows 95 or a ’57 Chevy. Apple is rebranding its working programs by utilizing the final two digits of the upcoming 12 months. So the present iOS 18 will likely be changed by iOS 26, not iOS 19, when it arrives within the fall of 2025.
That’s, the brand new numbering system displays the final two digits of 2026, moderately than the present 12 months of 2025, just like how new vehicle fashions are launched. Samsung and Microsoft have each used year-based naming programs.
The change ought to make it easier for customers to maintain observe of what working system is essentially the most up-to-date.
Watch WWDC for extra Apple information
The title announcement is only one of many modifications anticipated to be introduced on the WWDC occasion, which is occurring now. Here is find out how to tune in, and this is what CNET staffers are hoping to see within the subsequent Apple working system.
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Learn extra: Apple’s MacOS Reveal at WWDC: What the New Tahoe Identify Says About What’s Coming
The updates will take the names iPadOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26, TVOS 26 and VisionOS 26, geared toward bringing consistency to Apple’s branding and take away confusion. Earlier than the change, Apple’s working programs together with iOS 18, WatchOS 12, MacOS 15 and VisionOS 2, used totally different numbers since they did not debut on the identical time.
What in regards to the iPhone?
The present iPhone mannequin is iPhone 16, which got here out in September 2024. The iPhone 17 lineup is anticipated to be introduced in September, however there is no phrase on it being renamed to iPhone 26 moderately than iPhone 17.
Tahoe time?
Earlier than WWDC, Bloomberg reported that Apple’s subsequent Mac working system is named Tahoe, as in Lake Tahoe, Tourism reps for the California-Nevada lake advised CNET they thought that the title alternative, if appropriate, is “a fantastic increase for our year-round vacation spot.” We’re nonetheless ready for affirmation of that.