Why did Apple release iOS 19 as iOS 26?

Apple has released its latest mobile operating system, iOS 26, to users. Starting now, all users with iPhone XS and newer models can download this new version for free. However, the common question on everyone’s mind is: Why did Apple skip iOS 19 and directly announce iOS 26, when the previous version number was iOS 18? Here are the details.

Apple Updated Its Marketing Strategy with iOS 26

The reason behind this is quite simple: Operating system version numbers are based on marketing strategies, not strict scientific rules, and Apple can name its platforms whatever it wants. Seizing this opportunity, Apple decided to align the iPhone operating system number with the current calendar year.

So, why 26 when the current year is 2025? Because the majority of the new operating system’s lifecycle will occur in 2026. iOS 26 will be active until it is replaced by a new version in September 2026 (assuming iOS 27 is ready). This means that nine months of iOS 26’s 12-month lifespan will pass in 2026. This is why Apple chose to base its version number on the next year, not the current year.

For consistency, Apple has applied this new numbering scheme to all its other platforms. This means the entire Apple ecosystem now shares the same numbering:

iOS 26 instead of iOS 19
iPadOS 26 instead of iPadOS 19
watchOS 26 instead of watchOS 11
macOS 26 instead of macOS 15
visionOS 26 instead of visionOS 3
tvOS 26 instead of tvOS 19

This new approach reduces confusion and makes things clearer for both tech enthusiasts and general users. Until the next major release, iOS 27, is announced next June, all minor updates will continue to be released as 26.x.

However, the company has decided not to change the hardware numbering scheme. Therefore, the new devices will be called the iPhone 17, not the iPhone 26. This difference stems from the fact that software updates are free and renewed annually, but iPhones are sold in stores for multiple years. This makes a year-based naming strategy for hardware less attractive from a marketing perspective.