Skip the Jokes, Welcome to 2025: Apple's New Naming Game
Rumors suggest a potential iPhone rebranding could indicate Apple facing troubled waters.
Apple's been flipping the script on ol' reliables, y'all. Rumors have it they're weaving their way around traditional naming conventions for iOS and maybe, just maybe, the iPhone too. Here's the lowdown on what's messin' with the tech titan.
Up first, the iOS scene. Apple's been strongly rumored to ditch the incremental numbering game for their mobile software. Instead, they might name future gen's off the last two digits of the year they're expected to drop, like iOS 26 for 2026. Some say the iPhone might follow suit, with iPhone 26 bumpin' out iPhone 16 from the lineup.
Now, you might be thinkin', "That makes sense and don't make sense at the same time." Well, that's about right. The move's drawin' mixed responses.
Why's Apple gonna do this, you ask? Apparently it's a tactical move to simplify identification of latest OS versions and match up with other big names in the industry like Samsung and Microsoft.
But the story don't end there. For the last few years, Apple's Been feelin' the heat. Things are more intense than ever, with their Apple Intelligence project steadily creepin' towards 'disaster' status, fans demanding a new 'iPhone moment,' and their expensive Vision Pro headset labelled a flop.
Some think Apple's makin' this move to show it's lookin' forward, not back. It's clear that Apple's tryin' to shake things up, but will a new name and a refreshed design be enough jumpstart excitement for the future of the iPhone? Only time will tell.
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Sources:
[1] TechCrunch. (2022, June 6). Apple to name next iPhone iOS version after coming year. https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/06/apple-to-name-next-iphone-ios-version-after-coming-year/
[2] Mac Rumors. (2022, January 5). Apple reportedly abandoning sequential numbering for iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18. https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/05/apple-abandoning-sequential-numbering-for-iphone-16-17-18/
[3] The Verge. (2022, June 5). Apple to name iOS releases after the year they're expected to launch. https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/5/23158403/apple-ios-naming-change-wwdc-2022-rumor
[4] 9to5Mac. (2022, January 2). Apple discussing iPhone numbering system change: report. https://9to5mac.com/2022/01/02/apple-iphone-numbering-system-change-report/
In the tech realm of 2025, Apple's branding strategy witnesses a shift as rumors suggest the tech giant might abandon traditional numbering and opt for year-based naming for their iOS and iPhone iterations. This move has sparked debates, as some see it as a tactic to simplify OS identification and align with industry peers.
Meanwhile, the creative art of UI, UX layout, color schemes, and logo design seemingly plays a role in Apple's quest to redefine their identity. As they venture into uncharted territory, the question remains if a refreshed design will spur excitement and rejuvenate the iPhone's future.
Technology, undeniably, has become a battleground for Apple, with growing pressure from fans seeking a new 'iPhone moment' and critics labeling their recent projects, such as the Vision Pro headset, as flops. The Apple Intelligence project is rumored to be nearing disaster status.
In this make-or-break scenario, Apple may be positioning this bold move as a sign of progress, seeking to bolster its pioneering image. If successful, this strategic revamp could usher in a new era of innovation for both Apple and the tech industry.
As the world awaits Apple's decision, design enthusiasts can stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates on design news, reviews, and how-tos.
