It's official: iOS 26 will roll out later this year, along with its other operating system siblings. But why did Apple change the years-old naming convention? Is it because the current numerical monikers are confusing, an all-new Liquid Glass user interface that unifies the design across different platforms, or something else entirely? Let's find out.

Apple's WWDC 2025 event is here, and it's a big one. For starters, Apple is moving away from software version numbers to something easier to follow: a unified naming system based on the year. With that in mind, the company just unveiled the new and improved iPadOS 26, which is packed with a complete visual overhaul, powerful new features, and much more.