Apple iOS 28 and macOS 28: 'Bell' and 'Poppy' Early Development Details

This internal naming convention mirrors the one used for the upcoming 2026 releases, which are codenamed "Rave" (iOS 27) and "Fizz" (macOS 27), collectively dubbed "Rizz" .

The Current State of Development: Modular and Separate

It would be incorrect to think of iOS 28 as a functional operating system at this stage. The development process is firmly in what can be described as a pre-integration, feature-prototyping phase.

Gurman's sources indicate that Apple's software engineering teams are actively building individual features, new apps, interface designs, and system enhancements for the 2027 releases . The crucial point, however, is that these components have not yet been compiled or integrated into a unified OS build . As of the report dated May 31, 2026, the project is a collection of modular software pieces rather than a bootable system.

This granular approach allows different teams to work on specific improvements—whether to core apps, the user interface, or underlying frameworks—independently before merging them into a testable operating system later in the development cycle.

Context: WWDC 2026 and the Immediate Cycle

The revelation about iOS 28 comes just days before Apple's WWDC 2026, where the company is expected to formally unveil iOS 27 and macOS 27 . This upcoming cycle is heavily rumored to include a major Siri overhaul, fueled by Apple's advancing artificial intelligence capabilities .

Starting work on the next-next-generation software while the current generation hasn't been publicly announced is a long-standing practice for Apple. The company routinely begins conceptual and modular work 12 to 18 months ahead of a release to allow for extensive feature incubation, bug testing, and stability improvements .

Key Takeaway: Why iOS 28 Is Expected to Be 'Far More Significant'

The most striking detail from Gurman's report is the claim that iOS 28 is "already shaping up to be far more significant than the '27' updates" . While no specific features were detailed, the context suggests a major strategic alignment. This update is expected to launch alongside the rumored 20th-anniversary iPhone redesign, potentially making it the most substantial visual and functional overhaul of the iPhone's software in years .

For now, the 2027 release cycle remains in its earliest possible stage—separate features being crafted in isolation. But the internal chatter already points to Apple viewing it as a landmark release, setting expectations high for what will arrive with the 20th-anniversary iPhone lineup.