Apple will finally let us peep its next slate of software updates.
If the rumors are to be believed, every OS is jumping to “26,” and instead of iOS 19 or macOS 16, we’ll get iOS 26 and macOS 26.
Just don’t expect too much in the way of “Apple Intelligence” updates save for new live translation features for phone calls and texts.
Simultaneously, one of the biggest but also the most superficial changes at WWDC 2025 could be with Apple’s naming conventions.
Apple announced Apple Intelligence at last year’s WWDC.
The end of the long, long tunnel is in sight. Finally, Apple will allow us to preview its upcoming software releases. If the rumors are to be believed, all operating systems are rushing to “26,” meaning that we will receive iOS 26 and macOS 26 in place of iOS 19 or macOS 16. The new naming scheme suggests that Apple might attempt to standardize the look of all of its software, which is purportedly based on the glassy visionOS of the Vision Pro.
Widgets, app icons, and the Mac menu bar will all appear glassy. Apple may release additional features, such as a Preview-style app for the iPhone and iPad, in addition to the UI changes. There might also be a section on gaming with a brand-new mobile app called “Gaming.”. Expect only new live translation capabilities for texts and phone calls, and don’t expect many other “Apple Intelligence” updates.
Simultaneously, Apple’s naming conventions may undergo one of the most significant yet negligible changes at WWDC 2025. The numbers for all of Apple’s software, including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS, may increase from 18, 16, 18, 11, and 2, respectively, to 26. This information was reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. The year-over-year system is now based on the year of release plus one instead of chronological numbers, like a Toyota or something.
In one sense, it won’t mean much, but in another, it represents a significant shift and may even correspond with the significant change in tone that we anticipate with the upcoming iOS version. I suppose it will simplify things, but poor visionOS may experience some whiplash.
At the WWDC last year, Apple made the announcement of Apple Intelligence. Even after months of waiting, the big reveal—a redesigned Siri with on-screen awareness and agentic functionality to help do things on your behalf—did not come to pass. Genmoji, notification summaries, and writing tools were among the generative AI features that were introduced. The new Siri features were allegedly fake, and Apple’s marketing had pushed for their demonstration before the Siri team had even managed to get them operational.
James Pero, our senior writer, believes that Monday will be seen as either Apple’s make-or-break AI and that it will mostly revolve around appearances. Is Apple going to be a leader or a follower?
