iOS 26 instead of iOS 19: Divided response to Apple's expected version jump
Apple is supposedly standardizing the operating systems, including the version number. This causes Windows 95 jokes and worry lines among developers.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch)
Microsoft and Samsung send their regards: iOS 18 and macOS 15 will allegedly be followed by iOS 26 and macOS 26 this year. With the unexpected change to a model year designation, Apple ultimately wants to make it easier for end customers and developers alike, explained the financial news agency Bloomberg, which first reported on the previously unconfirmed change. This triggered mixed reactions among Apple users and developers: While some welcome a simplification of the version number as long overdue, others criticize that Apple is copying Microsoft's once particularly unwieldy names for Windows. iOS 19.1 will then probably be called iOS 26 Service Pack 1, is a common joke.
New functions every year
Apple is also cementing the hectic annual rhythm of operating systems with this model year numbering, according to a frequently heard fear. Instead of methodically eliminating fundamental bugs, this creates an even greater compulsion to constantly deliver new functions.
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The report also met with little approval from several developers who write software primarily for Apple platforms: "It's going to be hell", summarized veteran macOS and iOS developer Craig Hockenberry. The jump from "19" to "26" was not simply solved by a simple "search and replace". The dependencies going back three decades to Mach and NeXT would create considerable complexity. It also remains unclear for the time being whether the operating systems internally and Apple's APIs will rely on the new versioning scheme.
Apple allegedly wants to standardize operating systems
According to a report, both "macOS 26" and "macOS 16" can be found in internal pre-builds of the next macOS version. During the jump from macOS 10.15 to macOS 11 several years ago, "macOS 10.16" still appeared in the new operating system version in some cases. Developers fear that in the event of a problem, end users would only know the year of the operating system, but hardly the current version installed.
The list of Apple operating systems is getting longer and longer: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS have now been joined by visionOS, as well as audioOS and the HomePod software. Observers expect Apple to standardize its operating systems this year and adapt the sometimes different user interfaces with a redesign.
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