Apple renames operating systems in major rebranding shift

On June 9, 2025, Apple is expected to announce significant changes at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in the United States. A Bloomberg report reveals that, as part of a major rebranding effort, Apple will rename all of its operating systems to reflect the year of their release. This will simplify the naming convention, so iOS will become iOS 26, macOS will be macOS 26, and similar names will be applied to iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and VisionOS. This change aligns Apple's software naming system and clarifies which versions are current, addressing the confusion that has arisen in previous years due to differing naming conventions. Besides the renaming, impressive visual updates are expected for the operating systems—a design influence taken from the recently released Vision Pro headset. iOS 26, which users will perceive as a new operating system, is anticipated to build upon existing capabilities. The initiative is aimed at providing a cohesive user experience across devices, ensuring that all platforms maintain compatibility and functionality. The internal codename for this new software rollout is 'Solarium', alluding to a bright and contemporary character that reflects Apple's latest design ethos. Notably, this will be the most significant overhaul Apple has made to its software lineup in over a decade, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and design consistency across its hardware and software offerings.