Apple jumped from iOS 18 directly to iOS 26 to align its operating system version numbers with the year they are primarily used, which is 2026. This change simplifies and unifies version naming across all Apple platforms (iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS), making it easier for users, developers, and Apple teams to keep track of software versions. The new naming convention reflects the year of use rather than the release year, providing a clearer, more logical, and consistent versioning system while signaling a major shift in the platform and its capabilities, including enhanced AI and cross-device integration features.
Key reasons for the jump:
- The iOS 26 label corresponds to the software cycle primarily covering the year 2026, even though it is released in late 2025.
- It brings uniformity to all Apple operating systems by synchronizing their version numbers around the same cycle (2026).
- This approach avoids the software seeming outdated once the new year begins and aligns with industry naming practices like those of car models anticipating the coming year.
- The jump also symbolizes a significant update in Apple's ecosystem with new features and a redesigned user experience across devices.
