Apple May Rename iOS to iOS 26 and Launch a Major Redesign at WWDC 2025

Apple May Rename iOS to Match the Year – iOS 26 Coming This Fall?

Apple could be changing how it names its operating systems, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The tech giant may soon adopt a year-based naming system—similar to how car manufacturers name their models. If this is true, we might see iOS 19 renamed as iOS 26 when it launches later this year, in line with the year 2026.

This major change is expected to be announced at Apple’s WWDC 2025 event on June 9.

All Apple OS Names Might Change

This change won't just affect the iPhone. If Apple switches to a year-based naming system, all of its major operating system could be renamed. Here's what that might look like:

iPadOS 26

macOS 26

watchOS 26

tvOS 26

visionOS 26

Why Apple Might Make This Change

Currently, Apple’s operating system version numbers can seem confusing, especially for average users. Matching OS names with the year they launch would make things easier to understand for both users and developers. It also aligns better with Apple’s annual release cycle.

A Big Visual Redesign May Be Coming Too

In addition to a new naming style, Apple may be preparing for one of its biggest OS redesigns in over a decade. Internally known as “Solarium,” this update is rumored to bring significant visual changes across all Apple platforms—including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

If true, this would be Apple’s most dramatic UI overhaul since iOS 7 in 2013.

iOS 26 Features: What to Expect

Although still unconfirmed, sources suggest iOS 26 may include:

External display support – Connect your iPhone to a monitor

Redesigned Camera app – A complete overhaul of the UI and features

System-wide visual updates – Fresher, more modern interface

iPadOS 26 May Get a macOS-style Menu Bar

iPad users might also see a new menu bar, similar to the one in macOS. This would make iPads feel more like laptops and offer better multitasking—a long-requested feature among iPad power users.

Final Thoughts

While none of these changes have been officially confirmed, they are based on reports from reliable sources. If Apple does move forward with both the naming shift and visual redesign, WWDC 2025 could be one of the most exciting Apple events in years.

Stay tuned for updates on June 9.