The Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025 is set to commence in June, and speculation suggests that Apple might showcase its latest operating system update for the iPhone, potentially known as iOS 19, along with updates for other devices. However, recent reports indicate that iOS 19 may not be released at all. While the company is likely to preview its forthcoming iOS firmware, it may not carry the designation iOS 19. Sources suggest that Apple is planning to alter its naming convention for iOS updates.
Apple to Preview iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19
There has been ongoing speculation that Apple could implement significant transformations this year regarding its operating systems. Initially, expectations were focused on changes to design and functionality, but reports now suggest that the naming conventions will be the first area of change. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the technology company based in Cupertino may transition from an iterative naming strategy to one based on the year of release.
This proposed shift means that future updates will likely be designated by the year they are launched rather than a version number. Consequently, iOS 19 could be rebranded to iOS 26, iPadOS 19 may become iPadOS 26, and macOS 16 could be referred to as macOS 26, among others. The company is anticipated to start using the upcoming year for naming its firmware versions.
The anticipated changes to Apple’s operating systems may be revealed during WWDC 2025. The following table outlines expected names based on previous trends alongside the hypothetical future names:
| Platform | Expected Name (Based on Past Trend) | Hypothetical Future Name |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iOS 19 | iOS 26 |
| Mac | macOS 16 | macOS 26 |
| iPad | iPadOS 19 | iPadOS 26 |
| Apple Watch | watchOS 12 | watchOS 26 |
| Apple TV | tvOS 19 | tvOS 26 |
| Apple Vision Pro | visionOS 3 | visionOS 26 |
It’s worth noting that Apple’s operating system updates are released in different versions, as they do not launch simultaneously. Currently, iOS 18 is the latest update for the iPhone, while macOS 15 accompanies all Mac devices. Additionally, the recently launched Apple Vision Pro operates on the visionOS 2 firmware. This anticipated change aims to provide greater consistency in branding and to eliminate a potentially confusing naming strategy for both customers and developers.
A comprehensive preview of these modifications and features is expected during the keynote at WWDC 2025, scheduled for June 9.
