First rename in nearly 20 years: Apple iOS 26.4 Beta 2 core launcher renamed to mBoot, with version number jumping to 18000

IT House reported on February 24 that technology media Appleinsider published a blog post today (February 24), reporting that in the iOS 26.4 Beta 2 update, Apple adjusted the system launcher (Bootloader) that has been used for nearly two decades, from “iBoot” to “mBoot”, and its version number also skyrocketed from 13822 to 18000.

IT House quoted a blog post as saying that this is the first time since the launch of the iOS operating system that the core underlying component has ushered in a name change. Apple has not officially explained the specific reason for this change, and it is impossible to confirm whether the component has undergone a deep architectural restructuring.

In addition to the name change, the version number of the launcher has also made an unusually large leap. The iBoot version number in iOS 26.4 Beta 1 is 13822, while in the latest beta, the version number of mBoot jumps directly to starting with 18000.

The AppleInsider team has verified the accuracy of this information, noting that the new name is also present in the underlying code of Apple Silicon Mac devices running the macOS 26.4 beta.

For ordinary users such as the iPhone 17, there is a high probability that they will not notice any intuitive changes in daily use. The launcher serves as the absolute cornerstone of system operation, primarily responsible for safely booting and loading the iOS system when the device is turned on.

This component also rigorously verifies iOS kernel signatures and performs other critical security tasks related to system boot. Therefore, as long as the device can be turned on normally, the change of the underlying name has almost no impact on the operation experience of the front-end interface.

The industry generally believes that major name changes and version numbers of underlying core components often indicate upcoming technological changes. The sudden appearance of “mBoot” may suggest that Apple has a new plan in terms of hardware architecture or software ecology.