In a move to simplify and unify its software branding, Apple announced a major change to its operating system naming convention at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday.

Beginning this year, Apple will drop the traditional version numbering (such as iOS 19 or macOS 14) in favor of a year-based naming system. As a result, the company’s latest software updates will be known as iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.

Apple says the change is designed to bring clarity and consistency across its product ecosystem. It also brings Apple in line with industry peers like Samsung and Microsoft, which have long used similar year-based naming formats for major software releases.

The announcement came alongside a series of high-profile updates, including a striking visual redesign across platforms with the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new interface style featuring reflective, transparent elements and dynamic movement. The redesign has been hailed as Apple’s most significant visual overhaul since the shift to flat design with iOS 7.

By aligning its OS names with the calendar year, Apple aims to make it easier for users to recognize the latest software version at a glance—part of a broader effort to streamline the user experience across devices.