Apple is getting ready to unveil macOS 26, and according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the official name will be macOS Tahoe. This continues Apple’s tradition of naming macOS versions after notable California landmarks. Lake Tahoe, known for its deep blue waters and stunning mountain reflections, is a fitting choice for what’s expected to be Apple’s biggest macOS redesign since Big Sur in 2020.
Since 2013, Apple has moved away from the big cat names like Cheetah and Leopard and shifted to California-themed names, starting with Mavericks. Major visual overhauls usually get standout names like Yosemite and Big Sur. With macOS 26, Gurman says Apple wants to highlight the fresh design direction, which will include more glass-like, translucent elements in the user interface. The new look is meant to capture the calm, reflective qualities of Lake Tahoe.
Alongside the design refresh, Apple is introducing a new naming system for its software: all its operating systems will now follow a year-based versioning scheme. That means macOS 26, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 will all roll out under the “26” label, even though they will launch late in 2025. Gurman explains that this change will help unify the branding across Apple’s platforms and simplify version numbers for users and developers.
Apple has timed these updates to align with its fiscal year and ongoing software evolution. Instead of anchoring updates to a single big September launch, the company appears ready to offer more frequent updates throughout the year. Gurman notes that the futuristic ring of “26” also helps set the stage for Apple’s growing ambitions in AI and system integration. However, Gurman does not expect Apple to apply this same naming shift to its hardware. The iPhone 17, for example, is unlikely to be rebranded as the iPhone 26.
The official unveiling of macOS 26 Tahoe, alongside the rest of Apple’s operating system updates, will take place at WWDC 2025, which kicks off on June 9. If you use a Mac, this upcoming release will likely be one of the most noticeable updates in years, not just in terms of features but in how macOS looks and feels. Stay tuned for all the details next week when Apple takes the wraps off its redesigned software lineup.
(via Bloomberg)
