Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference Set to Bring Exciting Changes to Operating Systems
As the tech world eagerly awaits Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is just around the corner, sources close to the matter have revealed what we can expect from the event. According to a report by Ars Technica, Apple is set to unveil a redesigned user interface (UI) for its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
The last significant facelift for Macs was back in 2020 with macOS 11 Big Sur, which was overshadowed by the major shift from Intel’s chips to Apple Silicon. Meanwhile, the current iOS and iPadOS design has its roots in 2013’s iOS 7, with over a decade’s worth of gradual evolution on top. The new UI is expected to be released simultaneously for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, marking a significant change in the visual identity of Apple’s operating systems.
A New Naming Scheme for Apple’s Operating Systems
In addition to the redesigned UI, Apple is also reportedly introducing a new naming scheme for its operating systems. Instead of using version numbers, Apple will shift to a year-based naming convention. This means that we can expect to see iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26, rather than the usual incremental updates. As Ars Technica notes, "the new numbers might be a little confusing at first, especially for the period of overlap where Apple is actively supporting (say) macOS 14, macOS 15, and macOS 26."
However, this change is expected to bring consistency and make it easier for users to determine how old their software is. It will also make it easier to tell whether a device is running current software without having to remember the specific version numbers for each device. As the source points out, "in the long run, the consistency should make it easier to tell roughly how old your software is and will also make it easier to tell whether your device is running current software without having to remember the number for each of your individual devices."
Unifying the Approach to New Operating System Variants
The new naming scheme is also expected to unify the approach to new operating system variants that Apple might announce in the future. As Ars Technica explains, "tvOS starts at version 9 and iPadOS starts at version 13, for example, because they were linked to the then-current iOS release." However, with the new year-based naming convention, all operating systems will follow a consistent and logical naming structure.
It’s worth noting that the new version numbers will be based on the upcoming year, rather than the current year. This means that iOS 26 will be Apple’s latest and greatest OS for about three months in 2025, but it will be the main OS for nine months in 2026. Apple typically waits until later in the fall or winter to start forcing users onto the new OS, issuing at least a handful of security-only updates for the outgoing OS for those who don’t want to be early adopters.
What to Expect from WWDC
As the WWDC approaches, tech enthusiasts and Apple fans are eagerly awaiting the announcements that will shape the future of the company’s operating systems. With a redesigned UI and a new naming scheme on the horizon, it’s clear that Apple is set to make some significant changes to its ecosystem. As Ars Technica notes, "Apple usually also waits until later in the fall or winter to start forcing people onto the new OS, issuing at least a handful of security-only updates for the outgoing OS for people who don’t want to be guinea pigs for a possibly buggy new release." We will have to wait and see what other exciting announcements Apple has in store for us at WWDC.
