Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
- Apple may be considering a change to the branding of its operating systems.
- Sources claim the company could start identifying operating systems by year instead of by version.
- The strategy seems to mimic the one Samsung used for the Galaxy S series.
It’s not uncommon for Android OEMs to take inspiration from Apple. At the same time, Apple is just as willing to take a good idea from the other side of the aisle. The latest example of this may come in the form of a shake-up to Apple’s operating systems.
According to Bloomberg, sources close to the matter say that Apple is considering changing the way it identifies its operating systems. Currently, the Cupertino-based firm identifies its operating systems by versions, like iOS 18. Instead of relying on version numbers, the company may start using years. So iOS 18 would be rebranded to iOS 26. Likewise, other current operating systems would be called iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.