Apple is gearing up for WWDC 2025, and the tech giant might be planning for a major change. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple might be rebranding all its operating systems with year-based names. This means that the naming will get more simplified. Also Read: iOS 26 Inspiration Or Copy? Vivo Teased OriginOS 6 Update With Liquid Glass-Like Design

If the rumors are true, then instead of the usual iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, watchOS 13, and so on, Apple would switch to calling them iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. This will simply match with the calendar year, making the version more memorable. Also Read: iOS 26.1 Update: All The New Features, Changes, And Fixes Coming To iPhones

This approach also simplifies things a lot. It will make everything more unified, and Apple users will just need to remember the year. This means no more keeping track of different versions running across devices. Also Read: WhatsApp For iOS Gets A Fresh Liquid Glass Makeover Inspired By iOS 26

Why Now?

Apple’s upcoming software refresh, codenamed Solarium, will overhaul interfaces across devices. This time around we can expect more translucent panels, rounded icons, and a cleaner look inspired by visionOS on the Vision Pro headset. 

Apple’s main aim seems to be delivering a seamless and consistent experience across their ecosystem. This makes switching between devices much easier. It also justifies them renaming all the versions with just one simple number, as they want users to switch between multiple Apple devices without feeling any difference. This drives a consistent experience and leads to uniformity across all the different operating systems. 

Other brands like Samsung also switched its Galaxy S line to year-based naming, starting with the Galaxy S20 in 2020. Similarly, Apple is doing the same with their own twist. They’re naming their OS for the upcoming year. This kind of gives the impression of Apple being ahead of time and delivering updates that make their devices feel futuristic and ready for what’s next.

With WWDC 2025 just around the corner, we can expect more rumours and leaks before the event. This year’s WWDC also promises to be one of Apple’s most significant developer events in years, as they’ll be showcasing their own take on artificial intelligence and a major overhaul of their operating systems across devices.