In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the tech community, Apple has confirmed it will skip iOS 19 through iOS 25 and jump straight to iOS 26, which is set to be unveiled at WWDC 2025 on Monday. But this isn’t just a quirky naming update—this leap represents a powerful shift in how Apple wants users and developers to think about the future of iOS.
Why Skip iOS 19 to 25?
There’s been no official word from Apple yet, but several well-informed theories are gaining traction:
Numerical Alignment with AI Era: Internally, Apple may be aligning version numbers across platforms to prepare for the AI-powered OS ecosystem—possibly syncing naming conventions with its macOS, visionOS, or upcoming AI infrastructure.
Strategic Rebranding: By jumping to iOS 26, Apple avoids the stigma of incremental updates and sets the stage for what could be the largest iOS evolution yet.
Marketing Genius: Let’s face it—skipping seven versions instantly creates media buzz, raises expectations, and turns the launch into an event of curiosity and speculation.
What’s New in iOS 26? (Expected Features)
Here’s what experts and insiders believe Apple will bring to the table with iOS 26:
1. Apple Intelligence (AI-Powered Siri 2.0)
Get ready for a reimagined Siri that functions more like ChatGPT—context-aware, app-integrated, and capable of understanding natural conversation deeply.
2. Dynamic Widgets & Lock Screen Interactions
Home screen widgets may finally become interactive, customizable, and powered by live data.
3. App Clips 2.0
A redesigned App Clips experience may allow users to test-drive app features directly from Messages, Maps, or Spotlight without installation.
4. AI-Optimized Battery & Performance Management
Intelligent performance controls that adapt based on your usage and charging patterns to improve battery longevity and app fluidity.
5. Enhanced Cross-Device Sync
With iOS 26, expect deeper integration between iPhone, Mac, iPad, Vision Pro, and Apple Watch—blurring the lines between devices.
What Devices Will Support iOS 26?
Though the compatibility list hasn’t been officially released, based on Apple’s past update cycles, we anticipate support for:
- iPhone 13 and later
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
- New devices launching at Fall 2025 keynote
Older models may either be dropped or receive a lite version of iOS 26 with limited features.
WWDC 2025: More Than Just iOS
iOS 26 won’t be the only thing Apple unveils at WWDC this year. Expect announcements on:
- visionOS 2.0
- macOS 16
- watchOS 11
- New Developer Tools for AI and AR experiences
- Possibly even a preview of the Apple GPT app framework
Closing Thoughts: A Future Rewritten
Apple’s leap to iOS 26 isn’t just a number game—it’s a declaration. The next wave of iPhone experiences is likely to be smarter, more intuitive, and deeply AI-infused. Whether you’re a casual user or a developer, this WWDC could mark the beginning of the next tech decade.
So mark your calendar for Monday, and stay tuned. Tech wonders are only just beginning.
