Is Apple finally fixing its confusing naming system?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
It's that time of the year when rumours about Apple's next operating system updates start flying. True to form, we've seen plenty of speculation about big visionOS-inspired UI design changes in iOS 19 and macOS 16. But is that what the next systems will even be called?
It's now being suggested that Apple will overhaul its OS naming conventions and will brand the next generation of software by year rather than release number. That would mean that instead of iOS 19, macOS 16, WatchOS 12 and visionOS 3, we would see the releases of iOS 26, MacOS 26, WatchOS 26 and visionOS 26.
If that change sounds familiar, that might be because it's like what Samsung did with its flagship Galaxy S phones back in 2020. It's about time Apple made the same move.
Apple's operating systems currently all have different numbers because they were all launched at different times. iPhones are currently on iOS 18, Macs on MacOS 15 and Vision Pro, which was released just last year, is on visionOS 2.
The rumour about a change in branding comes from a credible source. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has been right about many Apple rumours in the pasts. He writes: "Apple will use the upcoming year rather than the current one. Though its next operating systems will launch around September 2025, they'll be named for 2026 — not unlike how car companies market their vehicles. If Apple keeps the strategy, the following set of releases will carry the 27 moniker."
The move would bring consistency to Apple software branding and make it easier for both customers and developers to know what release each OS is on. There would be no more having to remember each system's number since you would just have to know what year it is.
For the moment, it seems Apple isn't considering the same change for its hardware, so the next iPhone will presumably be the iPhone 17 as expected (and iPhone 17 Air if the rumours are true). But why stop at software? I'd say it makes sense to apply the same logic to devices.
Gurman compares the move to car manufacturers, but it's hard not to also recall how Samsung made a change like this with its hardware. Apple's rival jumped from the Galaxy S10 in 2019 straight to the S20 in 2020. And it was an ingenious move.
Not only did it make it easier for customers to remember what phone they have and identify the current model, but Samsung leap-frogged over Apple in the process. Apple was on iPhone 11 at the time. By turning the Galaxy S11 into the Galaxy S22, it suddenly made it sound like Samsung was ahead.
The South Korean tech giant usually releases new Galaxy models in January, while Apple launches iPhones in September. If Apple called the next generation iPhone 26 instead of iPhone 17 it could beat Samsung at its own game and would always be a few months ahead. That might sound petty, but numbers can be powerful in branding. Just remember how Microsoft chose the name Xbox 360 to avoid being seen as a generation behind PlayStation.
I'm sure some fans like the iPhone release number tradition, but Apple's already played fast and loose with that by skipping iPhone 9 so it could launch iPhone X on the phone's 10th anniversary, and it would have to repeat that move if it wants to release an iPhone 20 in 2027. Let's just ditch the release numbers and go with the year. You know it makes sense, Apple.
You can see the best deals on Apple's current iPhone lineup below. Also see our pick of the best camera phones for other options.
What do you think? Should iPhone 17 become iPhone 26? Let us know in the comments section below.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ten big changes coming to iPhones and other Apple devices this year
At its annual developer conference WWDC, Apple has given us another preview of software innovations coming to the iPhone, Mac and other devices from the company. These include many AI features, but the first change you're likely to notice is the new design in the operating systems. Since the launch of the iPhone in 2007, there have essentially only been two design directions for the software. Initially, Apple sought to mimic real-world objects, such as wooden bookshelves for the Books app, to help users understand the concept of multitouch screens. With iOS 7 in 2013, a starkly minimalist alternative was introduced, featuring icons made of just a few lines. This minimalism has been mixed with more colour in recent years, but the two-dimensional principle remained. Now, a new design language called Liquid Glass is being introduced. Transparent elements, which appear to float above other content, are intended to evoke the look of flowing glass. 1. A new glassy design language: For the first time, Apple is introducing a unified design language across its entire product range, including the Apple Watch and the Apple TV streaming box. Additionally, all operating systems will now feature a year in their name instead of their own version numbers. For example, instead of iOS 19 following iOS 18, the next version will be called iOS 26 or iPadOS 26, with the "26" referring to the upcoming year. 2. Fewer buttons in the camera app: The camera app, one of the most frequently used iPhone apps, has also been simplified at first glance, when you only see the shutter button and another option to switch between photo and video. Additional settings and functions are now hidden behind small icons or appear only when swiping across the display. At the same time, some settings can now be accessed more quickly than before. The Photos app is also being revamped and a toggle will allow users to quickly switch between the library and various collections. 3. Improved call features: The iPhone is gaining two useful features previously known from Google's Android system. For unknown phone numbers, users can have the software ask what the call is about and decide whether to answer based on the transcribed response. Additionally, during hold times, the phone can monitor when a human operator picks up and then connect the call. 4. Built-in interpreter: Apple is also significantly expanding its live translation features. During video calls, translations will appear as subtitles, naturally in a Liquid Glass overlay. For voice calls, the software will act as an interpreter. In the Music app, song lyrics can also be translated. 5. New gesture for Apple Watch: Notifications displayed on the Apple Watch currently remain on the screen for several seconds unless you dismiss them or interact with them in some other way. In future, you'll be able to shake them away without tapping, using a quick wrist flick away from you. This gesture can also be used to reject incoming calls. 6. Maps app with memory: Apple's Maps app will soon be able to remember restaurants or shops users have visited, making it easier to find them again later. The iPhone will also remember preferred routes to frequently visited locations and suggest them. The information is protected with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that even Apple cannot access it, the company emphasised. 7. iPad gets a massive Mac feature: Many iPad users have long complained about how hard it is to work with multiple apps, while on Mac computers, arranging windows side by side is simple. Apple is now promising improvements and is even bringing the trademark traffic light buttons to iPad. Users now get enhanced options for switching between programme windows and, for the first time, a menu bar. This makes the iPad suitable for more use cases that previously required a Mac computer. 8. Karaoke on the TV: Apple is turning its Apple TV streaming box into a kind of karaoke machine. In conjunction with Apple's Music app on the box, the iPhone will act as your microphone, with the voice being transmitted through the TV. Others can also join in with their iPhones. 9. Time running out for Intel Macs: In recent years, Apple has transitioned its Mac models to chips developed in-house. The new macOS 26 Tahoe will be the last version to run on Mac computers with previously used Intel processors. However, they will continue to receive security updates for three more years. 10. Virtual widgets in real spaces: Among the innovations for Apple's Vision Pro headset is the ability to place widgets, such as a clock, photo frame, calendar or music controls, in fixed locations. When the headset is worn in the same room, the digital objects will reappear in the same spots. Apple is also making the Vision Pro more suitable for business use. It will be easier to share the headset among different employees. Additionally, multiple users can collaborate on a virtual object, such as a car or a piece of furniture. The 3D avatar Persona, which represents users in others' fields of view, is being significantly improved. The Vision Pro will also support external controllers, such as those for Sony's VR headset, which is expected to enhance the experience of immersive gaming. Useful small updates: As always, there are various minor improvements that didn't make it into the hour-and-a-half keynote at the developer conference. For instance, the camera will now notify users when the lens needs cleaning. The alarm clock will allow users to adjust the snooze duration, which has so far been fixed at nine minutes. Additionally, Apple's password app will now display previous passwords.
CNET
32 minutes ago
- CNET
I Wear My Beats Studio Pro Headphones 4 Hours a Day -- and They're Over 50% Off Now
It all started when my beloved Apple AirPods just stopped working one day. No matter what I did, attempting to charge and revive them, they simply would not turn on, and I had to finally accept that they had a good run, and it was time to put them to rest. RIP. That put me in a tricky predicament, though. I use headphones at least 4 to 5 hours a day, and I desperately needed new ones immediately. I knew I was due for an upgrade, but the AirPods weren't on sale at the time. But coincidentally, the Beats Studio Pro were. I didn't expect to fall in love with a pair of headphones so quickly, especially because I loved my Apple buds so much. I was just hoping for solid noise cancellation and good sound quality, but the Beats delivered so much more -- and now they're an essential part of my daily routine, practically an extension of my ears. Like I said, I get a lot of mileage out of them every single day. Whether I'm writing, commuting, doing chores or taking my precious pup out for a walk, the Beats Studio Pro are there with me. And now, most colors are a solid 51% off right now on Amazon. If you've been eyeing a pair or looking for a thoughtful gift, now's the time to grab them. Let me explain why. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Here's how the Beats Studio Pro work Let's start with the specs. The Beats Studio Pro are premium over-ear headphones that bring serious upgrades to the iconic Beats design. Think of these as the grown-up, more refined cousin of the Beats Solo series. They're still stylish, still punchy, but with significantly better sound quality and comfort. Here are some key features of the Beats Studio Pro: Macy Meyer/CNET Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode : Two core features that let you tune out the world or stay aware, depending on your mood. The ANC is excellent, especially for this price, and it's great for navigating travel, open offices or city streets. and : Two core features that let you tune out the world or stay aware, depending on your mood. The ANC is excellent, especially for this price, and it's great for navigating travel, open offices or city streets. USB-C Lossless Audio : A game-changer for audiophiles. With USB-C, you can listen to lossless audio directly from your device -- no compression, just crystal-clear sound. : A game-changer for audiophiles. With USB-C, you can listen to lossless audio directly from your device -- no compression, just crystal-clear sound. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking: This creates an immersive, surround-sound-like experience. with dynamic head tracking: This creates an immersive, surround-sound-like experience. Custom 40mm drivers : Deliver balanced sound, with punchy bass, crisp mids and smooth highs. : Deliver balanced sound, with punchy bass, crisp mids and smooth highs. Battery : Up to 40 hours with ANC off or 24 hours with it turned on. That's more than enough to get you through several workdays or even a full international flight without scrambling for a charger. : Up to 40 hours with ANC off or 24 hours with it turned on. That's more than enough to get you through several workdays or even a full international flight without scrambling for a charger. Built-in microphones and voice-targeting beamforming tech: Translation: your voice will sound clear on calls, even in a noisy space. They also pair effortlessly with both Apple and Android devices, thanks to support for Find My, Google Fast Pair and one-touch pairing. CNET audio expert David Carnoy closely reviewed these earphones and found both the sound quality and voice-calling performance impressive. "The noise canceling is quite effective," Carnoy wrote in his review. "It's the adaptive variety, so it's not a fixed setting, and occasionally I'd hear it shift in strength as it adjusted to the ambient noise around me, whether I was on the subway or walking the streets of New York." Why I'm obsessed with my Beats There are plenty of great headphones out there. So what sets these apart for me? First and foremost, I love the comfort. I've worn lots of over-ear headphones that start to ache or feel heavy after an hour or so. I also have several ear piercings -- five in my left ear and three in my right -- and that means many over-ear headphones push the earring into my skin, digging in until it's quite painful. Not these. The earcups are plush, the clamping force is just right, and the memory foam actually makes a difference. I can wear them for hours without fatigue, which is saying something when you log four to five hours a day in them. The sound quality is also great. Beats used to have a reputation for overly bass-heavy tuning, but the Studio Pro strikes a beautiful balance. There's still that satisfying low-end thump when I'm listening to pop, hip hop or K-pop, but it doesn't overpower the vocals or mids. Whether I'm streaming Hozier for the umpteenth hour, catching up on podcasts or listening to a new audiobook, everything sounds great. Finally, the ANC and Transparency Mode are shockingly good. I've used my Beats in loud coffeeshops, on airplanes and while vacuuming, and they efficiently block out noise like a champ. But when I need to hear what's going on (like when I run into one of my neighbors while I'm walking my dog), a quick button press switches me into Transparency Mode, and I can hear them clearly. It's seamless. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention their style. Frankly, they just look cool. I know that's not the most important thing, but the sleek matte finish, the minimalist design and the range of colors make these headphones feel like a fashion accessory as much as a tech device. I have the "Earth" color headphones, and they look so gorgeous with any outfit. My one request, though, (Beats execs, I'm sure you're reading this!) would be to make these in a sage green color. Pretty please? They'd make a great gift for any audiophile Buying tech for someone else can be tricky, but I think the Beats Studio Pro are a pretty safe bet for anyone for a few reasons. For one, they work across platforms, so it doesn't matter if your gift recipient is team iPhone or Android. The intuitive pairing process, native device integration and wide compatibility make these user-friendly for just about anyone. They're also great for all types of use cases. Daily commuters? Check. Frequent flyers? Definitely. College students pulling all-nighters, or music lovers who want to hear every nuance of a track? Absolutely. These can suit really any type of person, day in and day out. The Beats just feel premium, too. This is the kind of gift someone might not splurge on for themselves, but they would certainly be grateful to open up these Beats, no matter the occasion. If you're shopping for graduation season, Father's Day or a summer birthday, these are a hit waiting to happen. Why this Beats deal matters Let's get down to numbers. The Beats Studio Pro normally retail for $350 or $450, depending on the color you select. That's pretty pricey. But right now, most colors are 51% off, bringing the price down to about $170. That's some of the lowest prices I've seen, and I keep a pretty close eye on tech deals. Sales like this don't come around often, especially on newer, high-demand models, so when they do, it's worth jumping on. Considering the quality, durability and features packed into these headphones, $170 is honestly a steal. You're getting flagship-level ANC, excellent sound and cross-platform support for less than the cost of most premium earbuds. My final thoughts on my Beats Studio Pro headphones In a world full of flashy gadgets and fleeting trends, the Beats Studio Pro are the real deal. They've become an essential part of my everyday life, not because they're trendy or hyped, but because they work. They're reliable, comfortable and sound fantastic. And now that they're seeing a deep discount, it's a great time to pull the trigger and buy them.
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 could be the fastest foldable yet with Snapdragon 8 Elite power
Samsung is working on its next foldable smartphone, and it'll be called the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The company just teased the phone as the "thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet," and an FCC listing backs up that claim by showing a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip under the hood. With that kind of processing power, it very well could be the most powerful foldable smartphone ever to hit the market. The FCC listing, which 91Mobiles spotted, is for a Samsung phone with the model number SM-F966B. Based on Samsung's model naming conventions and other leaks, this is almost certainly the international variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The listing also shows the SM8750 SoC for the phone, which is the model for Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This essentially confirms that the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip will be in the phone, but there is still a slight possibility that the company could change course or the model numbers could be incorrect. While we cannot say with 100% certainty that the phone will come with the powerful chip, this is as close to certain as we can be. Samsung obtaining phone certification from the FCC indicates that the company intends to launch it soon. Samsung is expected to host an Unpacked event in July, where the next phone is officially announced, featuring a considerably larger and lighter design. The listing also mentions 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-wide Band (UWB), wireless charging, and wireless power sharing as features expected in the next foldable (none of which are surprising). Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
