Introduction
Apple Renames OS: iOS 26, macOS 26, and More in 2025 | Imagine your iPhone, iPad, or Mac feeling like a brand-new device, not just because of new features, but because Apple’s changing how it names and designs its software. In 2025, Apple is reportedly renaming its operating systems to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, per Bloomberg. This isn’t just a name swap—it’s part of a major software makeover to make your devices easier to use and more consistent. As a tech lover who’s been using Apple since the iPod days, I’m excited but curious about this shift. Let’s explore what’s changing and why it matters.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Apple Is Renaming Its Operating Systems
- The Big Design Overhaul
- What This Means for You
- Looking Ahead to WWDC 2025
- Explore More Tech
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Why Apple Is Renaming Its Operating Systems
Apple is reportedly moving away from version numbers like iOS 18 to year-based names like iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26, starting in late 2025, per Bloomberg. This change, expected to be announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9, aligns OS names with the year 2026, similar to car model naming, per The Verge. The goal? To make names consistent across Apple’s ecosystem and signal a major software overhaul that simplifies navigation and unifies design, per TechCrunch.

The Big Design Overhaul
This renaming is part of Apple’s most significant software update in years, per PYMNTS.com. Here’s what’s coming:
- Refreshed Look: New icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons for a modern, user-friendly interface.
- Simplified Navigation: Easier ways to move between apps and settings across devices.
- Unified Design: A consistent look across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, inspired by visionOS’s circular icons and translucent panels, per Bloomberg.
- VisionOS Influence: The Vision Pro’s intuitive design will shape how all Apple devices feel, per The Verge.
Led by Apple’s VP of human interface design, Alan Dye, these changes aim to make your iPhone, iPad, or Mac feel seamless, per TechCrunch.
What This Means for You
As an Apple user, you’ll notice these changes when you update your devices in late 2025. The new names (e.g., iOS 26) might feel strange at first, but the redesigned interface should make navigation easier. To prepare:
- Explore VisionOS: If you have a Vision Pro, try its interface for a preview of the new design.
- Stay Updated: Watch WWDC 2025 on June 9 for official details, per Macworld.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your device supports the new OS, as older ones like macOS Monterey may lose support by late 2025, per endoflife.date.
Looking Ahead to WWDC 2025
WWDC 2025, starting June 9, will likely be a game-changer, unveiling the new OS names and design updates, per The Verge. Expect demos of iOS 26, macOS 26, and more, showcasing features like enhanced privacy and cross-device workflow, per Macworld. This could set the stage for future innovations, like deeper AI integration seen in iPhone 17 AI, or even new devices, per Los Angeles Times.
Conclusion
Apple’s bold move to rename its operating systems to iOS 26, macOS 26, and more in 2025 signals a new era of seamless, user-friendly design. While the name change might feel like a big jump, the redesigned interface promises to make your devices easier to use. Get ready for WWDC 2025 to see it all unveiled, and share your excitement on X with #AppleOS2025! Explore more tech at usashorts.com!