Highlights
- Apple plans to switch to year-based naming for all operating systems, which means iOS 19 will be renamed iOS 26.
- New iOS features include AI-powered tools, iPad improvements, live translation for Siri and AirPods and a refreshed visionOS-style design.
- Apple is expected to unveil these changes including the name shift and feature updates at its keynote event on June 9, 2025.
Caption – Apple is changing the way all its operating systems are named. (Image credit – Apple)
Apple could be making a big shift in how it names its operating systems. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company plans to switch from version numbers to year-based names starting in 2025. Here’s what we know.
iOS 19 To Be iOS 26
Instead of calling it iOS 19, Apple reportedly plans to name the next version iOS 26. The same change would apply to iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. This new system will align all software with the upcoming calendar year, creating a more consistent naming strategy across all Apple platforms.
Gurman explained that this move is meant to fix the confusion caused by each OS having a different version number based on when it was first launched.
Apple isn’t the first to try this moniker change. Microsoft used year-based names like Windows 95 and Samsung names its Galaxy phones after their launch year.
Apple itself has done something similar with past apps like iWork ’08 and iLife ’11. But this time, the company plans to use the upcoming year. So, the software launched in late 2025 will carry the “26” label, much like how carmakers label next year’s models.
iOS 19 (aka iOS 26) – New Features
Alongside the name change, Apple is also expected to roll out several major software updates. These include –
- iPad improvements that make it behave more like a Mac, making it easier to use for work.
- AI integration via the Apple Intelligence platform, which will be opened up to third-party developers.
- Live translation for Siri and AirPods.
- Vision Pro is getting an eye-scrolling feature.
- AI-powered health tools and better battery management.
- A new bidirectional Arabic-English keyboard and a digital calligraphy pen for Apple Pencil.
- A brand-new gaming app for Apple devices is also in the works.
Gurman noted that this overhaul will also include a major design refresh. Apple plans to bring a visionOS-style interface to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS for a more unified look and feel.
iOS 19 (aka iOS 26) – Expected Launch Timeline
All of these changes, new names, features and design, are expected to be announced at WWDC 2025, which kicks off on Monday, June 9. The keynote will begin at 10 AM PDT (10:30 PM IST).
FAQs
Q1. Why is Apple renaming iOS 19 to iOS 26?
Answer. Apple plans to switch to year-based naming for all its operating systems, aligning software updates with the upcoming calendar year for consistency across platforms.
Q2. What major features are expected in iOS 26?
Answer. New updates include AI-powered tools, improved iPad functionality, live translation for Siri and AirPods, Vision Pro eye-scrolling, and a redesigned visionOS-style interface.
Q3. When will Apple announce these changes?
Answer. Apple is expected to reveal the new naming system, design updates, and feature improvements at WWDC 2025, which begins on Monday, June 9.
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