CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple Inc. has announced a significant rebranding of its operating systems, transitioning to a year-based naming convention. This strategic shift aims to unify the user experience across all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and the Vision Pro headset. The company plans to officially unveil these changes at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025, scheduled to begin on June 9.
Under the new naming scheme, the next iteration of Apple’s mobile operating system, previously expected to be named iOS 19, will be called iOS 26, aligning with the calendar year 2026. This change will also apply to other platforms, resulting in macOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26. The rebranding is designed to provide clarity and consistency across Apple’s diverse ecosystem, simplifying version alignment for users and developers alike.
In addition to the rebranding, Apple is set to introduce a comprehensive redesign of its software interfaces. Inspired by the aesthetics of visionOS, the new design language will feature more translucent panels, rounded icons, and floating navigation bars, creating a more cohesive and modern user experience across devices. These visual enhancements aim to improve usability and continuity, reflecting Apple’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design.
Central to Apple’s forthcoming updates is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, collectively known as Apple Intelligence. This suite of AI-powered features is designed to enhance personalization and efficiency for users. Key functionalities include:
- Enhanced Siri: An overhauled version of Siri with improved contextual understanding, allowing for more natural and intuitive interactions.
- Writing Tools: AI-driven tools that assist with proofreading, rewriting, and summarizing text, streamlining content creation across applications.
- Image Playground: A feature enabling users to generate images using AI, offering customizable styles and seamless integration with the Notes app.
- Genmoji: A tool that allows users to create personalized emojis based on text descriptions or photos, enhancing communication and expression.
- Visual Intelligence: An AI-powered feature that identifies and provides information about objects captured in photos, enhancing the utility of the Camera app.
Apple Intelligence has been gradually rolled out since its initial introduction in iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 in October 2024. Subsequent updates have expanded its availability and feature set, with the most recent release, iOS 18.4 and macOS Sequoia 15.4, extending support to additional languages and regions, including the European Union.
The integration of Apple Intelligence underscores the industry’s shift towards smarter, more intuitive technology solutions. By embedding AI capabilities directly into its operating systems, Apple aims to enhance user productivity and personalization while maintaining a strong emphasis on privacy and security.
The upcoming WWDC 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal event, showcasing Apple’s vision for the future of its software ecosystem. Developers and users alike are eager to learn more about the company’s plans for AI integration, interface redesigns, and the overall direction of its operating systems.
