Apple reportedly begins early work on iOS 28, iPadOS 28, and macOS 28 for 2028 devices
Apple’s next major software era may already be taking shape, even though iOS 27 and macOS 27 have not yet been officially released. According to newly leaked information, Apple has started early development on its 2028 operating system updates, including iOS 28, iPadOS 28, and macOS 28.
The timing is especially interesting because 2028 is expected to be a major year for Apple hardware. Rumors suggest the company could be preparing special devices tied to the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, and these future software updates may be designed to take full advantage of that new hardware.
The leaked details claim that Apple is treating the 2028 software lineup as more than a routine annual upgrade. Instead, the company is reportedly working on deeper changes that could affect system design, app structure, and the way iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices work together.
At this stage, development is said to be in the early phase. Apple’s teams are reportedly experimenting with individual features, redesigned apps, updated software architecture, and visual improvements. These pieces have not yet been combined into finished operating systems, but the groundwork appears to be underway.
The rumored internal codenames for Apple’s 2028 software updates are also starting to surface. iOS 28 and iPadOS 28 are reportedly known inside Apple as “Bell,” while macOS 28 is said to carry the codename “Poppy.”
Interestingly, Apple employees are said to refer to the full 2028 software collection as “Boppy.” That shared name may hint at a stronger focus on integration between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple has been steadily improving the connection between its devices for years, and iOS 28, iPadOS 28, and macOS 28 could push that strategy even further.
For comparison, the current development cycle for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 is reportedly known internally as “Rizz.” Earlier software projects were associated with the internal labels “Rave” and “Fizz” for Apple’s mobile and desktop platforms.
While it is still far too early to know what features will make it into iOS 28 or macOS 28, the leak suggests Apple is planning ahead for a major platform shift. If the 20th anniversary iPhone rumors prove accurate, Apple’s 2028 software could be built around new device designs, advanced hardware capabilities, and a more unified experience across the Apple ecosystem.
For now, users can expect Apple to focus publicly on iOS 27 and macOS 27 before revealing anything about its 2028 plans. Still, the early start on iOS 28, iPadOS 28, and macOS 28 suggests Apple may be preparing one of its most important software updates in years.
