Apple is preparing for one of its most significant software updates in years, according to a report from Bloomberg. At this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), set to begin on June 9 at 1 p.m. ET, the tech giant is expected to unveil a comprehensive redesign of all its operating systems—spanning iOS, macOS, watchOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and tvOS.
A Shift Toward Consistency and Cohesion
One of the most notable changes will be a new naming convention. Instead of using sequential version numbers, Apple is reportedly shifting to a year-based naming system, similar to how car models are labeled. For example, rather than releasing iOS 19 or watchOS 12, Apple will introduce iOS 26 and watchOS 26, marking the software as belonging to the 2026 “model year.” While the change may cause some initial confusion, it reflects Apple’s broader initiative to streamline and unify the branding across its platforms.
This renaming strategy is said to be part of a larger effort to create a more cohesive user experience across Apple’s ecosystem. The redesign is expected to touch all aspects of the interface—from icons and app layouts to button styles and overall design language—bringing a more consistent and modern look to all devices.
A New Design Language on the Horizon
Internally referred to as “Solarium,” the upcoming software refresh is rumored to draw aesthetic inspiration from the Vision Pro’s interface, suggesting a shift toward a lighter, more translucent visual style. While Apple’s design codenames often carry little direct meaning, the term “Solarium” evokes themes of brightness and clarity, aligning with the reported visual direction.
Apple’s user interfaces are known for their simplicity and visual appeal, and the upcoming overhaul will test how far the company can evolve its design while retaining the usability its customers expect. The last major redesign of this scale was met with mixed reviews—particularly the recent changes to Apple Photos—making user reception a key point of interest.
Timeline: What to Expect and When
The new software is expected to launch initially in developer beta shortly after its announcement at WWDC. A public beta release is anticipated in July, followed by a full public rollout in September, aligning with Apple’s typical release schedule.
This unified software vision will span across all major Apple devices, including upcoming updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro, and Apple TV. As the event approaches, industry watchers and developers alike are eager to see how these changes will shape the future of Apple’s product ecosystem.
Stay tuned as WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9, where more details about the future of Apple’s operating systems will be officially revealed.