Tomasz Wadowski
On 9 June, Apple will kick off its annual WWDC conference, but if the leaks are to be believed – this time it won't start with a new weather widget or more privacy features. To kick things off, we'll get something that will change the way we think about operating systems from Apple. And no, this is not a joke. Apple plans to clean up the numbering and get things sorted out once and for all.
One number for the entire ecosystem
Apple has been developing several operating systems in parallel for years – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and recently also visionOS. Each of them debuted at different times and has its own numbering, which caused quite a bit of confusion. An example? iOS is on version 18, iPadOS is also 18, macOS is 15, watchOS is 11, and visionOS... is only at 2.
According to the latest information revealed by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple wants to put an end to this and unify the naming. From now on, all systems will jump directly to number 26. iOS 19? Not happening. It will be iOS 26. macOS 16? No – macOS 26. Even visionOS 3 is set to be replaced by visionOS 26.
Why "26"? It's not a coincidence
The change in numbering is not arbitrary. Apple plans to align version markings of their systems with... model years, much like car manufacturers do. So: the system that debuts in autumn 2025 will receive the number 26, as its full life cycle will fall precisely in the year 2026. This aims to simplify communication and enable users to quickly understand which generation they are dealing with.
This is a purely strategic move – it streamlines marketing, eliminates chaos, and at the same time strengthens the message: Apple is one ecosystem. Cohesive. Thoughtful. Modern.
WWDC 2025 – starting with a bang
WWDC is primarily an event for developers – a place where Apple showcases new tools, APIs, and features that will drive applications for the coming year. But the opening keynote of the conference is always something more: it’s a display of strength. This is when Apple announces the biggest changes. If Gurman's leak turns out to be true, then the unification of numbering will become one of the main stars of the first day.
What does this mean for users?
At first glance: not much. We'll still get a new version of the system with updates coming this autumn on our iPhones, Macs, or Apple Watches. But beneath the surface – this is a big change. Apple is showing that it thinks of its products as one whole. Not as a set of separate systems, but as a unified platform that evolves together.
