
Apple may release iOS 26 instead of iOS 19. This news has surprised many Apple users worldwide. The big reveal will happen at WWDC 2025.
Apple is planning a major name change strategy. All Apple devices will follow the new style. This update aims to simplify names and reduce confusion.
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Apple May Release iOS 26 Instead of iOS 19
Apple may not launch iOS 19 this year. Instead, the new update will be called iOS 26. This change will be shown at WWDC 2025. The event will take place from June 9 to 13.
iOS 18 was the last update for iPhones. Naturally, people expected iOS 19 to follow next. But Apple has chosen a different naming method. Now, all system updates will follow the launch year.
Here are the new expected names:
- iPhone: iOS 26
- iPad: iPadOS 26
- Mac: macOS 26
- Apple Watch: watchOS 26
- Apple TV: tvOS 26
- Vision Pro: visionOS 26
These updates will be previewed during the WWDC 2025 event. Apple wants to make the naming more clear and simple.
Why Apple Is Changing to Year-Based Names
Apple wants to bring consistency to its product updates. Earlier, each device had different version numbers. This confused both users and developers worldwide.
For example, iPhones used iOS 18, Macs used macOS 15. Apple Watch used watchOS 12. These mixed numbers created misunderstanding for many users.
Now, Apple will name updates based on the next year. So, updates launching in 2025 will be called “26”. Bloomberg reports that this strategy is already final.
Apple wants to align all device systems under one method. Internally, this project is named “Solarium”. It aims to create a smooth, connected user experience.
Samsung and Microsoft also used similar strategies earlier. Samsung launched Galaxy S20 after Galaxy S10 in 2019. Microsoft used names like Windows 95 and Windows 98. Apple is following a similar path now.
Apple May Launch Gaming App at WWDC 2025
Apple is also working on a new gaming app. This app will be available on all major devices.iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV will support this app. The gaming app will be pre-installed on these devices.
It will work as a launcher for video games. It will also show achievements and leaderboards in one place.This new app shows Apple’s growing focus on gaming. More updates about it may come during WWDC 2025.
Apple may release iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 soon. This is part of a big rebranding plan. All changes will be revealed at WWDC 2025. Apple wants everything to look simple and feel connected.