Apple appears to be revising its perplexing naming convention.
Apple is reportedly pondering a shift in its operating system naming conventions, according to industry insider Mark Gurman. Instead of using numerical nomenclature, the tech giant might adopt a year-based system, similar to car manufacturers, for its upcoming releases.
For instance, iOS 19 and macOS 16 could be replaced with iOS 26 and macOS 26, respectively, in 2025. This change follows a pattern set by Samsung, who, back in 2020, transitioned its flagship Galaxy series to a year-based system [1][2][3][4].
This move would streamline the branding of Apple's software across platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Unlike Samsung's approach, where devices are named by the year they are released, Apple is rumored to name its operating systems for the subsequent year. For example, the 2025 operating systems would carry the iOS 26 moniker, differentiating it from its actual release date [3].
The shift is part of Apple's broader objective to simplify its naming conventions and reduce confusion among users and developers. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be working on a major visual overhaul of its operating systems, codenamed Solarium, which aims to introduce a new design language across all Apple devices [3][4].
This year-based naming strategy could potentially position Apple to outpace its primary competitor, Samsung, who typically launches new Galaxy models in January, while Apple launches iPhones in September [5]. By naming future operating systems after the upcoming year, Apple could ensure that it remains a few months ahead, similar to how Samsung leap-frogged over Apple in 2020 [5].
Some Apple enthusiasts may cherish the brand's numerical naming tradition, but a shift to a year-based system would align with Apple's history of innovation. For instance, Apple skipped iPhone 9 to launch iPhone X on the phone's 10th anniversary, and would likely have to repeat this move to release an iPhone 20 in 2027 [5].
[1] Apple may overhaul OS naming, branding by year, report says[2] Apple reportedly planning major iOS 16 design changes[3] Apple working on iPhone 14 Pro's 'always-on display' feature: Report[4] First details about Apple's major OS redesign codenamed 'Solarium' leak online[5] Samsung's clever numbering system: How changing the game on S-series releases benefited the brand
- Apple might rebrand its operating systems based on the subsequent year, such as iOS 26 for the 2025 operating system.
- The shift to a year-based naming system could streamline Apple's software branding across platforms like iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
- Apple is rumored to be working on a new design language across all devices, codenamed Solarium, as part of its visual overhaul.
- By adopting a year-based naming strategy, Apple could potentially stay a few months ahead of its competitor, Samsung, who typically launches new Galaxy models in January.
- Apple's history of innovation, such as skipping iPhone 9 for iPhone X, hints that enthusiasts may embrace the brand's shift to a year-based system.
- This year-based naming strategy could allow for potential leaps like an iPhone 20 in 2027, resembling Apple's skipped numerical naming tradition.
