Opinion

WWDC 2025 Might Flip the Script on iPhone Updates

A new name, a new look, and a few surprises could be coming to your iPhone this year

By
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Editorial Director
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Gulf Coast Community College
Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others.
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Published on June 5, 2025 03:59PM EDT
A smartphone displaying an app icon with the number 26 on the screen, background showing blurred app icons
iOS 26 is on the horizon, and it could bring with it a complete redesign and a ton of new features.

SOPA Images / Getty Images
Apple News

Byte-Sized Brief

  • Apple may change how it names its operating systems.
  • iOS 19 might become iOS 26.
  • It's also expected to have a completely new design.

If the rumors are true, WWDC 2025 might bring the announcement that Apple is switching to a simpler naming system for its software. Instead of iOS 19, you might soon see iOS 26. The idea is to match the name to the year it’s released, which sounds small, but could actually make future updates feel a lot clearer. It's unlikely, however, that we'll see a change in the way the devices are named... at least not for now.

The jump in iOS version numbers can make you wonder if you missed something, or if your phone is suddenly behind. But don’t worry. Apple’s likely doing this to make things easier, not more confusing. Along with the name change, you may also notice some significant updates that actually enhance the user experience. We’re talking about a fresh new look, a central hub for all your games, and even updates to the CarPlay experience. Ultimately, WWDC 2025 is sure to bring changes, and we hope they're as useful as the rumors suggest.

The Bottom Line

WWDC 2025 is happening on June 9, and it's likely you'll see big changes to Apple's operating system after the conference, including a substantial redesign and new naming system.

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