Apple to Announce iOS 26 at WWDC – Here’s Why It’s Skipping iOS 19
In a bold and unexpected move, Apple is shaking up its entire software branding strategy. According to reports, Apple will not be unveiling iOS 19 at WWDC 2025. Instead, the company is leaping ahead and rebranding its next operating system update as iOS 26.
This dramatic version jump isn't limited to iOS—it applies to all of Apple's major platforms.
Why the Jump to 26?
At first glance, the name “iOS 26” might sound like a typo or a prank. But there’s a clear strategy behind this change. Apple is adopting a year-based naming convention similar to the one used by automakers. For instance, the 2026 Toyota Tacoma ships in late 2025—the same logic Apple is applying here.
By naming its 2025 software updates after the upcoming calendar year (2026), Apple aims to:
- Unify branding across platforms, replacing the confusing mix of version numbers that often vary from one OS to another.
- Simplify things for users and developers, making it easier to track and reference the latest software updates.
- Align with tech industry trends, where companies like Microsoft (e.g., Windows 95, Windows 11) and Samsung (Galaxy S20 in 2020) have used similar naming conventions.
This isn't the first time Apple has dabbled in year-based naming—think of past software suites like iWork ’08 and iLife ’08.
A New Look for a New Era
This change in naming isn’t happening in isolation. Apple is reportedly preparing major design overhauls across its operating systems, inspired by the clean, futuristic aesthetic of VisionOS.
Additionally, Apple is said to be working on making iPadOS more Mac-like and opening its AI tools to third-party developers.
What About iPhone Naming?
One question that naturally follows: Will Apple also change how it names its iPhones? If we’re getting iOS 26 this year, could the iPhone 17 suddenly become iPhone 26 to match?
There’s no confirmation yet, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. A consistent year-based naming scheme across both software and hardware would make marketing and product alignment even simpler.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s decision to skip ahead to iOS 26 might feel jarring at first, but it reflects a larger effort to streamline the user experience, unify branding, and usher in a new design era across its ecosystem.