iOS 26 Launched: Apple has made a bold move by skipping iOS 19 through iOS 25 and jumping directly to iOS 26 with its latest update, announced at WWDC 2025. But why such a big leap? The answer lies in Apple’s strategy to unify its ecosystem across devices.
The company is redesigning not just iOS, but also iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and even visionOS, creating a more cohesive look and feel across all its platforms. Apple’s goal is to streamline the user experience, making it more seamless and integrated as users switch between devices.
By jumping to iOS 26, Apple is aligning the version numbers across all its operating systems. This is similar to the naming conventions used in the automotive industry, where manufacturers release models based on the upcoming year.
While iOS 26 will be revealed in June 2025, it won’t be fully rolled out until September 2025, when the new iPhone is expected to launch. This approach ensures that most iPhone users will be using iOS 26 primarily in 2026.
In short, Apple’s decision to skip several version numbers is all about creating a unified, future-focused experience, preparing its ecosystem for the next level of integration and design.