Apple Inc. is preparing to launch a significant overhaul of its operating system branding, shifting from version numbers to a year-based naming system as part of a broader redesign across all devices.
According to sources familiar with the plan, iOS 18 will be replaced by iOS 26, with the same naming convention extended to iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This change is aimed at unifying Apple’s branding, which currently features inconsistent numbering due to the staggered launch years of each platform.
The rebranding — which Apple will officially announce at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 9th of June — coincides with a sweeping interface redesign internally dubbed “Solarium.” This visual refresh aims to provide a more consistent user experience across Apple’s ecosystem.
Inspired by similar strategies from Samsung and Microsoft, Apple will use the upcoming year in the name — so software releasing in 2025 will be labeled 2026, much like automobile model years.
Among the new features planned for the 2026 software lineup are:
- A more Mac-like experience for iPad, enhancing productivity.
- Live translation capabilities for AirPods and Siri.
- Eye-tracking support for navigating the Vision Pro headset.
- A new AI-powered battery management system and health tracking tools.
- A bidirectional Arabic-English keyboard, digital calligraphy pen support for Apple Pencil, and a dedicated gaming app.
Apple is also opening its Apple Intelligence platform to third-party developers, allowing broader access to its AI models.
While Apple has yet to comment publicly, the rebranding marks one of the most comprehensive shifts in its software identity in years.
