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Apple is revising the way its software teams build iOS 28, macOS 28, and related updates. The new plan applies to the 2027 releases. Engineers will get extra time to create and test features before the work is merged into the operating systems. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported the details in his November 8 Power On newsletter.
Under the new schedule, teams will spend six weeks on coding and feature development. A two-week window will follow to combine the work. Earlier, Apple split each eight-week stage evenly. Engineers spent four weeks on coding and four weeks on convergence.
Apple usually divides its yearly operating system work into three major stages. Each stage runs for eight weeks. The convergence period helps engineers bring separate features together and prepare them for release builds.
With the revised plan, the coding phase grows from four weeks to six. The convergence phase shrinks from four weeks to two. This gives engineers 50% more time to explore ideas during the first stage.
Gurman reported that Apple employees have welcomed the change. Many engineers feel the added time makes it easier to test concepts and refine features. Teams can also compare approaches before locking in final decisions.
Apple has not shared which features will arrive with iOS 28 or macOS 28. The report covers only the first stage of development. It does not confirm similar changes for the later stages of the cycle.
The new process could help Apple explore bolder software ideas. Teams must still merge features and deliver stable releases within a shorter integration window. Apple will likely release the first iOS 28 and macOS 28 betas in June 2027. Final versions usually reach users in September.
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