Apple to name macOS 26 'macOS Tahoe'

Despite changing the number, they aren't changing the name.

Previously, we have heard that Apple is renaming all of their operating systems to be on the yearly number cycle - so iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. But, Apple is still keeping on the tradition with macOS of naming the next release after a California landmark, and it looks like they are going with a lake.

Mark Gurman reported recently in his Power On newsletter that Apple will be naming the next version of macOS to Tahoe, named after Lake Tahoe between California and Nevada. Gurman also detailed other information about WWDC and the operating systems, adding that this could be a 'gap year' for Apple when it comes to features.

What Gurman means by this is while, yes, the operating systems will be redesigned to reflect the new numbering scheme, Apple will spend the next year improving on the AI features like the LLM Siri and others until next year. I think this is a good idea, make sure that the features are ready so what happened this past year doesn't happen again.

This doesn't mean that Apple won't talk about Apple Intelligence during WWDC, but instead of adding groundbreaking new features (and having it be the main focus of the event), they will note improvements and remind customers of it. We will have to see what Apple announces at WWDC on June 9th.