Highlights:
- Apple plans to rename all operating systems using year-based names, starting with iOS 26.
- The change will be officially announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9.
- The rebranding includes design overhauls and UI updates across devices.
- New features include AI tools, Mac-like iPad experience, and health updates.
- Apple aims to unify branding and reduce user confusion.
With just days remaining until Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, the tech world is abuzz with reports of a major rebranding effort from the Cupertino-based company.
Apple is set to replace its traditional version numbering with year-based labels across all of its platforms, beginning with the launch of iOS 26.
A Unified, Year-Based Naming Strategy
Instead of using version numbers like iOS 19 or macOS 15, Apple plans to adopt a naming convention based on the year of anticipated release — similar to the naming approach used by Electronic Arts for its FIFA game series.
For example, the 2025 releases will carry the 2026 label, including macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26. This move is intended to make Apple’s branding more intuitive for users and consistent across products.
The shift is not entirely unprecedented. In 2007, Apple introduced iWork ’08 and iLife ’08, reflecting a similar strategy. Companies like Samsung have also previously adopted year-based naming, as seen with its Galaxy S20 series.
Interface Upgrades and AI Integration
The rebranding is expected to be accompanied by significant UI changes, internally codenamed “Solarium.” Updates will span tvOS, watchOS, and parts of visionOS, giving users a more consistent and modern interface. Apple also aims to bring a more Mac-like experience to iPads, improving productivity.
On the AI front, Apple plans to roll out tools such as AI-enhanced battery management, new health tracking features, and a developer-accessible AI framework known as Apple Intelligence. Additional updates may include a live translation feature for AirPods and an eye-scrolling mechanism for the Vision Pro headset.
According to multiple sources, Apple will formally reveal these sweeping changes at WWDC on June 9, setting the tone for its software strategy in the coming years.
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