Apple Skips iOS 19 and Jumps to iOS 26 with Unified Redesign

In a surprising move, Apple is reportedly skipping the expected iOS 19 and jumping directly to iOS 26. This bold renaming strategy aligns the operating system version numbers with the calendar year following the release, unifying the naming conventions across all Apple platforms including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even the Apple Vision Pro.

This means that instead of iPadOS 19, users will see iPadOS 26; macOS 16 will become macOS 26; and visionOS 2 will leap to visionOS 26. The change is intended to create a more cohesive and unified user interface across Apple’s ecosystem, simplifying the experience for users who interact with multiple devices.

According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the upcoming UI redesign will feature more circular bubble icons for apps and desktops, fostering a consistent look and feel across devices. This redesign aims to unify the ecosystem visually and functionally, potentially making it easier for users to switch between devices seamlessly.

However, this shift may confuse users accustomed to the current naming and interface paradigms. The full impact of these changes will become clearer after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, where the company is expected to explain its rationale and showcase the new design.

One exciting prospect is the possibility of a more Mac-like experience on the iPad, which has long been praised for its hardware but criticized for limited multitasking capabilities. The new UI could allow greater flexibility in app placement and multitasking, enhancing productivity on Apple’s tablets.

Apple’s approach mirrors Samsung’s strategy with its Galaxy phones, which align model numbers with the release year. Interestingly, Apple is adopting a carmaker-style model year naming, where the software version number is ahead by one year compared to the actual release year, potentially causing some initial confusion.

Additional rumored features include a live-translation mode for AirPods integrated with Siri and expanded support for third-party AI platforms like OpenAI and Anthropic, signaling Apple’s intent to deepen AI capabilities within its ecosystem.

Developers and users alike will want to watch WWDC 2025 closely to understand how these changes will affect app development, user experience, and cross-device integration. Apple’s leap to iOS 26 is more than just a number change—it signals a strategic push toward a unified and modernized ecosystem.