Apple switches to year-based OS versions
In a significant move toward streamlining its ecosystem, Apple has announced a major change in how it names its operating systems. Going forward, all of Apple’s platforms — iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS — will adopt a unified, year-based numbering system. The announcement was made during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and marks a notable shift from the company's traditional versioning approach.
Goodbye Confusion, Hello Consistency
Previously, Apple’s OS versions were numbered independently based on how many iterations each had undergone. This led to a fragmented system in which, for example, iPhones ran iOS 18, the Apple Watch ran watchOS 11, and Apple’s headset operated on visionOS 2 — all at the same time.
Now, that inconsistency is gone. Starting this year, Apple devices will all run operating systems ending in "26," a reference to the upcoming 2026 release cycle. That means users can expect iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS — which is taking on a new regional name as macOS Tahoe 26 — across the board.
A More Intuitive Approach
The new naming convention makes it easier for users, developers, and IT teams to quickly identify the latest software versions. If your device isn't on version 26, it’s not up to date — as simple as that.
This kind of uniformity is not just a cosmetic change. It helps ensure a more synchronized experience across devices, especially as Apple continues to tighten integration between hardware and software within its ecosystem.
What’s in a Name?
The macOS naming structure retains Apple’s tradition of using California-inspired codenames, with "Tahoe" following in the footsteps of past releases like Yosemite, Mojave, and Ventura. It suggests that while Apple is adopting a more systematic versioning model, it’s not abandoning the identity and branding its loyal user base has come to expect.
The Road Ahead
The switch to a unified numbering system had been in the works for some time, signaling Apple’s intent to simplify both user experience and internal software management. With this shift, the company appears to be laying the groundwork for future platforms and devices that can be even more seamlessly updated and integrated.
As the week of developer-focused events continues, Apple is expected to showcase what’s new in each of these upcoming operating system versions. But one thing is already clear: version numbers just got a whole lot simpler.
