Apple is renaming iOS, iPadOS macOS, and other operating systems; here’s why
Apple announced at the WWDC it will overhaul how it names its operating systems, switching from sequential numbering to year-based designations starting with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and matching updates across all platforms this year.Apple explaining the change during its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, says that the new system will synchronise version numbers across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro software. Previously, Apple used different numbering schemes, iOS 18 coexisted with watchOS 11 and visionOS 2, creating confusion about which devices ran the latest software.“This new naming system aims to make things clearer and more consistent across all platforms,” Apple stated.
iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and other new operating systems will have Apple’s ‘Liquid Glass’ design
The rebrand accompanies Apple’s most significant interface redesign since iOS 7, introducing “Liquid Glass,” a transparent design language featuring glass-like elements, translucent layers, and shimmering surfaces across all platforms. App icons receive complete redesigns with multiple glass layers, while system elements like the iOS dock and lock screen feature new glass edge effects.“This is our broadest design update, ever,” said Alan Dye, Apple’s VP of human interface, noting it’s the first universal design system across Apple’s platforms.
Apple expected to release iOS 26, macOS 26, and software updates in September
Developers can access beta versions immediately, with public betas expected within weeks and final releases launching alongside iPhone 17 models this September.
