Apple unveiled the next version of its iPhone operating system at WWDC 2025: iOS 26. Anyone who owns an iPhone newer than the iPhone XS can install the update for free in fall 2025. The developer beta of iOS 26 is already available, and Apple has already unveiled all of the new features. But one question surprised many: Why is the new version called iOS 26, even though iOS 18 is currently active?
Apple has reorganized the numbering of its operating systems. Effective immediately, the version number is based on the calendar year in which the respective system is primarily used. This applies not only to iOS, but to all platforms: iPadOS, watchOS, macOS, visionOS, and tvOS. With this step, Apple aims to standardize the various systems and provide greater clarity.
Why is it called iOS 26 and not iOS 19?
Previously, iOS versions were numbered consecutively. iOS 18 should have been followed by iOS 19. Instead, Apple switched to iOS 26. The reason: The new iOS version will be officially released in September 2025 and will then remain current for twelve months—until September 2026. Since the majority of the device's usage time is in 2026, the version number has been adjusted to this year.
What happened with iOS 19 to iOS 25?
Apple deliberately skipped these version numbers to introduce a consistent numbering system across all operating systems. Specifically, this means:
- iOS 19 becomes iOS 26
- iPadOS 19 becomes iPadOS 26
- watchOS 11 becomes watchOS 26
- macOS 15 becomes macOS 26
- visionOS 3 becomes visionOS 26
- tvOS 19 becomes tvOS 26
This means that all Apple platforms now have the same number. This standardization is intended to make it easier for users to keep track of which system belongs to which year.
Is there an iPhone 26 coming now?
Currently, the iPhone 16 is the newest model. The iPhone 17 is expected to be introduced in fall 2025—with iOS 26 preinstalled. Apple is unlikely to change its iPhone numbering. There are several reasons for this:
- The iPhone brand is well established.
- The model number does not have to match the software version.
- Apple continues to sell older iPhones in parallel, sometimes for several years.
A radical leap to iPhone version 26 would make little sense in this context. The iPhone 17 will therefore likely launch with iOS 26 without Apple adjusting the model name.
iOS 26 is the start of a new numbering system
Apple calls the new operating system iOS 26 because it will be used primarily in 2026. The numbering has been adjusted to the calendar year to bring all platforms up to date. Version numbers 19 to 25 have been skipped. This doesn't fundamentally change anything for you as a user—except that the names are now more consistent and understandable. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)
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