The imminent arrival of iOS 26 marks a transformative period for Apple's iPhone ecosystem, as it signifies a significant shift in the company's operating system naming convention. According to recent reports, Apple plans to adopt a year-based naming system, moving from the current versioning method to a more straightforward format that includes iOS 26 . This change is designed to alleviate confusion among users regarding software updates and compatibility across devices . The announcement is highly anticipated at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025.
Apple previously named its Mac operating systems after big cats like Cheetah, Tiger, Leopard, and Lion. Starting with OS X Mavericks in 2013, however, Apple switched to California-themed names like Yosemite, Monterey, Sonoma, and Sequoia.
Lake Tahoe is known for its reflective waters, which mirror the surrounding landscape, including mountains and the sky. Gurman said that would align with macOS 26's rumored glass-like design with more translucent windows, buttons, and icons.
The move is reportedly part of a larger push toward a cohesive user experience across platforms. The overhaul could encompass everything from updated icons, apps, buttons, and a fresh design language, and it’s expected to be universal across all the operating systems. Apple’s fundamentally simple and irresistible user interface is a core part of the company’s DNA, so it will be interesting to see how customers react to a big redesign (hopefully better than the Apple Photos redesign). We’ll find out at WWDC, which kicks off on June 9 at 1 pm ET. —Adrienne So
The GR IV is set to arrive this fall, with another model featuring a Highlight Diffusion Filter coming "after winter 2025." Interestingly, Ricoh says production and shipment of the Ricoh GR III will stop in July 2025, due to difficulty in procuring parts and components. The 40mm GRIIIx will continue to be sold for now. —Scott Gilbertson
In addition to the rebranding, iOS 26 is expected to introduce substantial enhancements and features that reflect Apple's commitment to innovation. Reports suggest that this update will include improvements in navigation consistency across devices and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities . Furthermore, the redesign codenamed "Solarium" promises an aesthetically pleasing interface inspired by Apple's Vision Pro headset . Collectively, these changes are poised to redefine user experience and set a new standard for mobile operating systems.
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