At WWDC, Apple introduces iOS 26 and macOS 26 in major operating system rebrand

At the WWDC 2025 event, Apple revealed a significant shift in its approach to naming its operating systems. The tech giant will transition from traditional version numbers, such as iOS 19 and macOS 19, to a year-based naming convention. This means that all future operating systems will be identified as iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. This new strategy is designed to enhance clarity and consistency across Apple’s various platforms. By adopting a simpler naming system, Apple aims to align itself with industry peers like Samsung and Microsoft, helping users easily recognize the latest software updates. In addition to the naming overhaul, the event also showcased a comprehensive redesign featuring a fresh interface dubbed “Liquid Glass.” This innovative look, which emphasizes transparency, marks the most notable aesthetic change since the introduction of iOS 7, setting the stage for an exciting future for Apple’s software ecosystem.