Apple revamps OS naming with a unified “26” brand, teases new iPhone 17 Pro upgrades, and launches WhatsApp on iPad while smart home robot plans get scaled back

Apple made waves this week with major announcements and rumours that are reshaping expectations for its upcoming products and software releases. Among the most surprising news is a reported overhaul of Apple’s operating system naming convention. Rather than continuing with incremental version numbers like iOS 19 or macOS 16, Apple is said to be unifying its OS lineup under a single “26” branding, matching the calendar year. This means iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS will all carry the “26” version label, similar to the automotive industry’s model year approach. This shift simplifies naming and signals a fresh chapter in Apple’s ecosystem ahead of WWDC, less than two weeks away.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the iPhone 17 Pro, expected to debut this September. Apple’s Pro models traditionally lead the pack in innovation, and this year is no different. Rumours suggest at least a dozen significant improvements across design and functionality. Visual cues will make it obvious if you’re holding the latest iPhone, likely including new finishes or screen layouts. Beyond this year’s launch, Apple is reportedly experimenting with a 200-megapixel camera sensor, a potential game-changer for mobile photography, though that tech is likely a year or two away.

On the software front, one of the biggest headlines was WhatsApp finally releasing an iPad-optimised app. After 15 years since its initial launch, WhatsApp users can now enjoy a fully native experience on their iPads. This long-awaited move brings WhatsApp more in line with other Meta apps, though the absence of a native Instagram app for iPad remains notable. The WhatsApp launch has sparked excitement among iPad users eager for seamless messaging across devices.

In other news, Apple’s much-rumoured smart home robot continues to evolve behind the scenes. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has scaled back some of the more ambitious features planned for the device to speed its release. The robot, expected to function as a smart home hub with a robotic arm, will feature an iPad-like touchscreen that can adjust its position to stay in the user’s line of sight. It will also respond to voice commands, helping it interact naturally with people moving around the room. The pared-back version could arrive as soon as the end of this year, with more advanced capabilities reserved for future iterations.

Apple is also reportedly working on a simpler smart home hub, which might launch before the robot itself. This move aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of incrementally bringing new home tech to market while refining user experience.

Taken together, these updates reflect Apple’s push to streamline software branding, elevate hardware innovation, and expand its footprint in smart home technology and cross-device apps. With WWDC just days away and the fall product launch season looming, Apple fans have plenty to look forward to.