Apple’s Big Jump: iOS 18 to iOS . . . 26?!

Every fall, Apple releases new versions of all its operating systems — iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Watch. This year, things look extra confusing because Apple has jumped the numbers ahead. For example: iOS is skipping from 18 all the way to 26, and the Mac’s new system isn’t just “Tahoe,” it’s “Tahoe 26.” If that makes you scratch your head, you’re not alone. And as they do every year, Apple wants you to upgrade your devices to these new operating systems.  

Here’s the important part: upgrading your system and updating your system are very different things.

• An update is a small fix or patch (like security improvements). Safe and important to install when prompted (when prompted by Apple - don’t fall for the fakes).

• An upgrade is a big new version of the operating system (iOS 26, Tahoe…). That’s where things can go sideways - not only are there often early bugs, but upgrades usually come with a learning curve as Apple changes how things look or behave.

My advice: go ahead with the updates, but hold off on the upgrades for a while. It gives Apple time to fix the early bugs, app-makers time to catch up, and you time to learn about any new features without being a “beta tester.”