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Apple is changing how it develops its next-generation operating systems, including iOS 28, iPadOS 28, and macOS 28. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company has adjusted its initial development schedule to give engineers more time to explore ideas and build new features.

Apple typically divides its annual software development process into three major stages. Each stage usually includes four weeks of coding, followed by four weeks of feature convergence, when new features are integrated into the operating system.

For the first development stage of iOS 28, however, Apple has adopted a different approach. Engineers were given six weeks for coding, experimentation, and feature development, while the convergence period was shortened to two weeks.

The revised schedule appears to have been well received by Apple employees. According to Gurman, the additional development time allows engineers to explore more ideas and refine features before final decisions are made about what will be included in the software.

The next development stage is expected to begin on November 9, when Apple will start narrowing down the features planned for its upcoming operating systems. However, Gurman has not revealed any specific features currently in development for iOS 28.

Apple is expected to introduce iOS 28 at WWDC in June 2027, with the public release likely following in September, in line with its usual annual software release schedule.

3uTools's View

Apple's revised development schedule suggests a greater emphasis on early-stage experimentation rather than simply moving features into the software more quickly. Giving engineers additional time to explore ideas could help Apple develop more substantial improvements for future updates.

However, a longer development period does not automatically guarantee more features or a better user experience. What matters most is how well Apple turns those ideas into stable, useful software. More details about iOS 28 should emerge as development progresses toward WWDC 2027.