Apple has changed how it builds iOS 28, giving engineers six weeks to code and explore features before two weeks of work to merge them into the operating system. The first of three development milestones for iOS 28 and macOS 28 used the new split, and the second starts on November 9, when Apple begins deciding which features users get.
Apple normally runs each milestone for eight weeks, split between four weeks of coding and four weeks of convergence, which is when engineers integrate features into the operating system. Employees say they like the new split because it leaves more time to develop ideas before the features are locked in, according to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg.
iOS 28 engineers get six weeks to explore before convergence begins
Apple splits the work on each year’s software into three milestones called M1, M2 and M3. Under the usual plan each one covers eight weeks, so the three milestones cover 24 weeks in total.
For M1 on iOS 28, Apple gave engineers six weeks for coding, exploration and feature development, and then only two weeks of convergence. That moves two weeks from convergence to coding and exploration, which gives teams more time to try ideas before anything has to be locked in.
The M2 milestone starts on November 9, and Apple uses that stage to finalize which features it plans to include for users. The change comes as John Ternus tells colleagues that Apple needs to move faster and experiment more, and he plans to launch products throughout the year instead of clustering them in spring and fall.
iOS 28 and macOS 28 run under the Bell and Poppy codenames
Inside Apple, iOS 28 and iPadOS 28 are called Bell and macOS 28 is called Poppy, according to a report in May. Employees combine the two names and call the whole 2027 software lineup Boppy.
The iOS 27 cycle used the same pattern. iOS 27 carried the name Rave and macOS 27 was Fizz, so the lineup was known as Rizz.
The same May report said the 28 releases are already shaping up to be far more significant than the 27 updates, and it did not say what will change.
iOS 28 is the first update built for the 20th anniversary iPhone
iOS 28 is expected to be the first version of iOS on the 20th anniversary iPhone, which is rumored for September 2027. Apple also has camera-equipped AirPods and its first smart glasses lined up for 2027.
Apple usually shows its new operating systems at WWDC in June and releases them in September, so iOS 28 is expected to be unveiled in June 2027.
