Apple WWDC 2026 promises biggest Siri overhaul since 2011 with iOS 27 AI-powered features

Apple WWDC 2026: How to Watch and What to Expect, Including iOS 27, Siri Updates, and More

PCMag is set to be on the ground at WWDC 2026 in early June, Apple's annual developer conference, where the Cupertino-based tech giant is poised to drop a barrage of updates across its major operating systems. We're anticipating a full slate of announcements for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and more. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, however, Siri is expected to be the star of the show. Rumors are flying about a massive overhaul that will make the controversial personal assistant competitive in a world where ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other bots are left running the AI playground. If you're curious about what the iPhone maker has in store for all of your Apple devices, here's a breakdown about how to tune in -- and what to expect. How to Watch the WWDC 2026 Keynote Mark your calendars, folks. WWDC takes place from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12, with the keynote -- the only segment streamed publicly -- kicking off the four-day conference on day one, June 8, at 10 a.m. Pacific. If you're on Mountain Time, Central Time, or Eastern Time, that works out to 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m., respectively. For our readers in the UK, you'll be tuning in at 6 p.m. The keynote will take place at Apple Park in Cupertino with reserved seats for press, developers, and other VIPs. If you didn't get an invite, you can watch the keynote from the comfort of your own home. It will be livestreamed via Apple's Events website, YouTube channel, and Apple TV app. In my experience, the Apple Events page delivers a faster, higher-fidelity stream, but YouTube is more familiar to use and easier for jumping across devices, such as from your smart TV to your phone. For a closer look at the action, stay tuned for our live blog, as PCMag's mobile expert Florence Ion tracks key announcements straight from Apple Park. What to Expect at WWDC 2026 I've been covering WWDC for six years, and my favorite part of the pre-keynote excitement is analyzing Apple's promotional art ahead of the event. On last year's logo, featuring a translucent "25," Apple teased iOS 26's Liquid Glass aesthetic. This year, the logo's "26" has a glowy effect -- and Gurman suspects it captures the new, luminous animation effects we'll see for the revamped Siri and beyond. A Smarter Siri Powered By Gemini Siri is expected to be the highlight of WWDC. Per Gurman, Apple will announce major updates to the digital assistant, including a standalone app with a chatbot-style interface, the ability to process multiple requests in a single query, and seamless integration with third-party AI agents (e.g., Claude). Further, Siri will reportedly gain the option to access and reference your personal data, as well as your on-screen activity, to improve contextual awareness and deliver more relevant responses. Gurman claims this will be Siri's biggest reboot since its long-ago debut, and that it will be supported by Gemini, thanks to Apple's AI partnership with Google, announced earlier this year. More Intelligent Apple Intelligence Apple is also expanding Apple Intelligence, according to Gurman. We're expecting announcements about AI-generated wallpapers via natural-language prompts, as well as an upgraded Image Playground app with improved image generation and Genmoji creation. Camera ... Widgets? The Camera app is getting a boost, too. Rumor has it that Apple is adding an Add Widgets panel that allows users to swap out the standard top-row shortcuts for pro tools like depth and exposure adjustments. For users who enjoy working with Shortcuts, Gurman claims they will be able to build complex workflows using natural language instead of tedious, step-by-step programming. This could really enhance your results, though Apple hasn't indicated whether it will stamp AI-manipulated photos with an obvious watermark. Expect better Visual Intelligence for image-based searches, too. Upgrades Across Platforms Meanwhile, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 are expected to inherit many of the same AI-driven enhancements rumored for iOS 27, bringing a more intelligent and context-aware experience to iPad and Mac devices, respectively. In a recent Apple Newsroom post, the company highlighted some accessibility-focused features rolling out to tvOS and visionOS. The former is gaining larger text support, making on-screen text easier to read, while the latter is adding motion sickness reduction for passengers in moving vehicles, face gesture support for performing select actions, and a new eye-selection method. If there's one thing we're clamoring for, it's a less liquid-looking glass user interface. About Face Last year's watchOS 26 upgrade introduced the AI-enabled Workout Buddy alongside improvements to the Smart Stack, new gesture controls, and the Liquid Glass makeover. Watch for Apple's next watchOS, presumably 27, to double down on AI. Both Samsung and Google have AI-based guidance built into their respective wearables for planning workouts and even improving sleep. We expect Apple not to directly follow suit but to find a different way to solve the same problem with its own AI. New health tracking features are possible as well, of course. Apple Watches can already monitor blood pressure to an extent with hypertension notifications, but this process happens entirely in the background. Samsung watches have a blood pressure feature, but it's a pain to use because you have to calibrate readings with a cuff. Apple could get ahead of the crowd here with a feature that takes blood pressure readings without calibration -- though, admittedly, this is a long shot. Finally, as always, watch for the usual upgrades like new watch faces, gesture controls, and more improvements to existing features like the Smart Stack. Fresh Hardware Apple's track record of debuting new hardware at WWDC is somewhat hit-or-miss. Every now and then, it has a fresh round of MacBook updates or a big surprise like the Apple Vision Pro. This year, we're not expecting to see any new phones, tablets, Macs, or other gear from the company. We will, however, be keeping our eyes open for a sneak peek of the rumored folding iPhone. Will it make a (brief) appearance? We hope so! Follow PCMag for the Latest Whether you're looking forward to a smarter Siri or a less nauseating car ride while wearing your Vision Pro, WWDC 2026 is set to tell us all about how the updated ecosystem will reshape how we use our Apple hardware in the near future. PCMag will be reporting live from Cupertino, so be sure to tune in to follow along with us for the latest news as it happens. Andrew Gebhart contributed to this report.

I thought Siri was finished. These 5 leaked WWDC 2026 features are its biggest update since 2011

Apple delayed Siri for a year -- now WWDC 2026 could reveal the AI assistant we've been waiting for When Apple unveiled its vision for a smarter Siri, the promise was an ambitious one. But due to multiple delays, we are still hoping for a voice assistant that understands personal context, take actions across apps and genuinely help us get things done The company spent much of the past year facing criticism after several highly anticipated Siri upgrades failed to arrive on schedule. Meanwhile, rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude continued adding new capabilities at a rapid pace. Now, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to showcase a dramatically upgraded Siri at WWDC 2026 -- one that looks much more like an AI assistants people are already using every day. If the leaks are accurate, this could be Apple's biggest Siri update since the assistant debuted in 2011. 1. Siri could finally become a real AI chatbot One of the biggest reported changes is that Siri may move beyond simple voice commands and become a true conversational AI assistant. Instead of handling one-off requests, Siri is expected to maintain context across conversations, allowing users to continue discussions without repeatedly restating information. That's a feature ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude users have largely come to expect. The shift would represent a major change in how Apple users interact with Siri. Rather than acting like a voice-controlled search tool, Siri could begin functioning as an AI companion capable of helping users think through problems, organize information and complete tasks. 2. A dedicated Siri app may be on the way According to the report, Apple is also developing a standalone Siri experience. Today, Siri largely exists as an overlay that appears when summoned. A dedicated app would give users a persistent place to interact with the assistant, review previous conversations and potentially access more advanced AI features. It's a move that would mirror how consumers currently use ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude on mobile devices. 3. Siri may finally understand what's on your screen Another long-promised feature reportedly arriving is deeper screen awareness. The upgraded Siri could understand what's currently displayed on an iPhone, iPad or Mac screen and take actions based on that information. For example, if a friend sends a restaurant recommendation in Messages, Siri could potentially make a reservation, add it to your calendar or create a reminder without requiring multiple manual steps. This type of contextual awareness has been one of the most anticipated Apple Intelligence features since it was first announced. 4. File uploads could make Siri much more useful The report also suggests Siri may gain support for file attachments and document uploads. This feature would allow users to share PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations and other files directly with the assistant for analysis or assistance. Similar to what can be done now with ChatGPT or Gemini, this capability has become increasingly important as AI tools evolve beyond simple question-and-answer systems and into productivity assistants. 5. Siri may gain deeper app control Perhaps the most practical upgrade is Apple's reported push toward more advanced app actions. Rather than simply opening apps or setting timers, Siri could perform multi-step tasks across multiple applications. This would move Apple's assistant closer to the "agentic" AI experiences being developed across the industry, where assistants can carry out actions on a user's behalf instead of merely providing information. Bonus: Third-party AI models could play a larger role Apple has already partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT into parts of Apple Intelligence, but reports suggest deeper third-party AI integrations may be coming. That could allow users to access specialized AI models for different tasks while remaining inside Apple's ecosystem. For Apple, this approach may offer a practical way to compete with rapidly evolving AI rivals while continuing to develop its own models behind the scenes. Tom's Guide will cover it all directly from WWDC 2026 If Apple's reported upgrades arrive at WWDC 2026, Siri could begin closing the gap with its competition. But for now, the biggest challenge facing Apple is convincing users that Siri can finally keep pace with the tools they already use. For years, Siri has been viewed as a convenient voice assistant but not necessarily a capable AI platform. Meanwhile, ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude have become daily productivity tools for millions of people. After a year of delays and skepticism, this may be Apple's best opportunity yet to show that Siri's future is bigger than setting timers and checking the weather. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.

Apple just teased an iOS 27 feature that could change everything

The feature could revolutionize iPhone interaction by enabling conversational voice commands, potentially becoming mainstream like previous accessibility features that evolved into standard iOS capabilities. When people think about Accessibility features on the iPhone, they usually imagine tools designed for a relatively small group of users with specific needs. But every now and then, Apple introduces something that has the potential to change the way everyone interacts with their devices. That's exactly what happened last week. As part of its annual Accessibility preview ahead of WWDC, Apple announced a new version of Voice Control powered by Apple Intelligence. In theory, it sounds like a simple upgrade designed to help users control their iPhone using natural voice commands. But reading between the lines, it feels like Apple just teased one of the biggest features of iOS 27 before the keynote in June. And honestly, this might be one of the most exciting Apple Intelligence features yet. Apple is finally bringing natural voice commands to iOS Voice control on the iPhone isn't new, and I'm not even talking about Siri. iOS already has an Accessibility feature that lets users perform specific tasks using only their voice. However, this feature has always seemed somewhat robotic and only works with very specific commands and phrases. But what Apple teased is completely different. Instead of relying on strict command structures, Apple says users will be able to interact with their iPhone more conversationally using Apple Intelligence. Instead of having to memorize labels and commands, users will simply be able to say what they actually want to do, and Voice Control will understand. In the example shown by Apple, the user says, "Tap the orange folder," and then asks the iPhone to open a file on the screen and zoom in on a specific section of the document. Essentially, Apple is using Apple Intelligence models to understand what's on the screen in real time and control everything based on voice commands. "This can also help users overcome barriers when elements aren't properly labeled for accessibility," the company said in a press release. Without a doubt, this feature represents a major breakthrough for users with disabilities. But it also hints at something much bigger. This looks a lot like the rumored new Siri Back in 2024, when Apple unveiled the features of Apple Intelligence, the company teased a brand-new Siri that would have agentic capabilities. The assistant would be able to control certain aspects of the phone using natural voice commands. Among the examples Apple showcased back then were commands such as adding an address from a conversation in the Messages app to a contact card or sending the link to the webpage you're viewing in Safari to someone. It's no secret that this feature has yet to see the light of day. But for over a year, reports have suggested that Apple has been working on an upgraded Siri experience for iOS 27. The rumored assistant is expected to understand on-screen context, control apps, and perform actions across the operating system more intelligently. In other words: less "set a timer" and more "open this file and send it to John." The accessibility feature Apple teased this week sounds a lot like that, and that's probably no coincidence. Apple has a long history of using accessibility features as a testing ground for broader interface changes. Features originally designed for accessibility often end up becoming mainstream features. AssistiveTouch, Live Captions, and even mouse support have eventually expanded beyond their original purpose. This new Voice Control enhancement feels like the clearest sign yet that Apple's next-generation Siri architecture is almost ready. Universal control There's another reason I'm excited about this feature besides seeing a new version of Siri. More specifically, I've already had experience with a very similar feature on another device. The new version of Voice Control announced by Apple reminded me of something I tested earlier this year on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung's Voice Access feature was recently updated with AI models designed to understand natural language, and it's genuinely impressive. You can navigate through apps, open menus, scroll through pages, tap specific UI elements, and perform fairly complex tasks entirely with your voice. It's one of those features that makes you realize how outdated traditional voice assistants suddenly feel. It's not something I use all the time, but it's pretty handy when my hands are full, and I need to do something on my phone, like open a chat and send someone a voice message. After using it for a while, going back to Siri felt more constricted than ever. The potential of Apple Intelligence One of the main criticisms of Apple Intelligence so far is how limited it feels. Notification Summaries can be useful, Writing Tools are occasionally convenient, and Genmoji is fun for a few minutes. But none of them really change the way you use your iPhone. Having an AI assistant that can understand exactly what you need, even when you don't use specific commands, is a game-changer. It's the kind of feature that has the potential to make our lives much easier. Most people probably won't spend the whole day talking to their phone, but it's nice to know the feature is there for when you need a little help opening or finding something. Unsurprisingly, Apple isn't making a big deal out of it, probably because it's saving the best for next month's WWDC keynote. But I'm already excited to finally see the first signs of a truly AI-powered Siri.

iOS 27: All the Rumored App Features

Siri is getting a major overhaul in iOS 27, but Apple also has some big updates planned for apps like Camera, Photos, and Wallet. There are multiple new AI features in the works, plus some non-AI upgrades. Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in iOS 27. There will be a Siri mode that will be available alongside the existing Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama modes. When in Siri mode, the existing Camera app shutter button will feature the Apple Intelligence logo, letting users know the Siri features are available. Visual Intelligence can identify objects, plants, animals, art, books, and more, searching for whatever the user snaps on Google Image Search. In iOS 27, Siri will be able to answer questions about what a user is looking at, providing information from the web. Apple is adding new Visual Intelligence capabilities in iOS 27, and they will be available through the Camera app Siri mode. * Nutrition - Users can scan nutrition labels on food packaging for calorie and macronutrient tracking using the Health app. * Contacts - Visual Intelligence will let users scan phone numbers and addresses on business cards and other print media, adding the information to the Contacts app. Apple plans to make the Camera app more customizable in iOS 27. iPhone users will be able to replace the top row of camera shortcuts with options of their choosing, selecting features like flash, exposure, timer, depth of field, photo styles, and resolution. Camera controls, now labeled as widgets, can be placed at the top of the Camera interface in any order. Users can select widgets from a transparent widget tray that comes up from the bottom of the app and organizes widgets into categories like basic, manual, and settings. The Camera app will have the same default layout that's available now with quick tap buttons for flash, Live Photos, and Night Mode, but the customizable widget interface will be added as an advanced layout that will appeal to professional users. The Camera app is also going to get new grid and level options that will join the existing features. Photos The Photos app will have an Apple Intelligence Tools section when editing an image with new Extend and Reframe options. * Extend - Extend generates additional image content beyond the original frame of the photo, filling in scenery when changing the crop of an image. This tool will support expanding the edges of an image with zoom gestures. * Reframe - When used with spatial photos, Reframe will let users change the perspective of an image after it's captured. Apple is also testing an AI photo editing feature that lets users request edits using natural language. Users would be able to tweak color, lighting, cropping, and other image parameters without having to use manual tools. The voice-based photo editing feature may not arrive in the first version of iOS 27. Shortcuts The iOS 27 Shortcuts app will support using natural language to create a shortcut with AI. Users will be able to tell Siri what they want to accomplish with a multi-step shortcut, and Siri will generate it. The Shortcuts app will open with a prompt that says "What do you want your shortcut to do?" with a text field to enter a description. Shortcuts that are created using AI are then automatically installed and immediately available for use. Wallet The Wallet app is getting a "Create a Pass" option so users can generate digital passes from scans of physical items like movie tickets, concert passes, and gym membership cards. Users can tap on the "+" button in the Wallet app and then scan a QR code on a pass or ticket if one is available. If there is no QR code available, there will be an option to create a custom pass. There are three pass types in Create a Pass, each with a different color. Apple is using purple for events, blue for memberships, and orange for other types of passes. Users can customize images, colors, style, and text on the digital passes. Apple is also adding an AI bill-splitting feature that will work with Apple Cash. iPhone users will be able to take a photo of a receipt and generate Apple Cash payment requests for different people. Image Playground and Genmoji Apple is updating the Image Playground app. The interface for generating a new image has fewer controls and a "describe a change" option for editing images that are created. Previously created images are displayed in a grid with more rounded edges, and instead of a New Image button, there's a "+" button. Apple has also been testing new models that produce more lifelike images, so we could see new image generation capabilities in iOS 27 with better image quality. Genmoji is also getting an update so it will use fewer resources, causing less battery drain and fewer heat problems. Genmoji will be better quality with a new Genmoji model, and a Suggested Genmoji feature will bring up custom emoji ideas based on your media and text history. Writing Tools Apple is testing an expanded version of Writing Tools that will do more rewriting and text generation than the current version. There is a "Write with Siri" toggle at the top of the keyboard, along with a "Help Me Write" option that comes up when Siri is activated while a text field is open. Apple is going to add a dedicated AI grammar checker that will work alongside the current spell check. When writing in Messages, Mail, and other apps there will be a translucent menu that slides up from the bottom of the iPhone's screen, and it will show suggested revisions next to the original written text. Users can go through the suggestions and accept or reject them one by one, approve all of the changes at once, or ignore the changes. Other Features * Wallpaper - There will be an option to generate custom wallpapers with the Image Playground app, with the feature built into the interface for selecting a new wallpaper. * Safari - Safari will get an updated start page with four tabs for switching between favorites, bookmarks, Reading List, and history. * Calendar - Rumors suggest the Calendar app will incorporate new AI features. Siri will also be able to draw on information in the app. * Health - With a new calorie scanning feature coming to the Camera app, calorie tracking will be more prominent in the Health app. Apple was also planning a Health+ subscription service, and while that's been scaled back, there could be other AI health app changes. * Weather - The Weather app will have a new Conditions panel for switching between temperature, rain, and wind from the main interface, without the need to tap into a weather module. * AirPods settings - The AirPods interface in the Settings app will be simplified, with options featuring better organization. Major features like hearing health will be easier to find. * AirPlay Alternatives - Apple is adding a feature that will let users beam content to AirPlay alternatives like Google Cast. It could be limited to iPhone users in the EU because it is being implemented as a Digital Markets Act requirement. System-Wide Design Changes There are system-wide design changes coming in iOS 27. The separate tab bar in apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, News, and Apple TV will be adjusted to combine search with the other navigation options. Apple separated search in many apps when introducing Liquid Glass, but it's reverting to the original look. When using the on-screen keyboard, there's a new animation that shows the keys sliding up from the bottom of the iPhone interface, and Apple is adding redo and undo controls for easier customization of the Home Screen's icon and widget layouts. Apple doesn't plan to make major changes to the Liquid Glass aesthetic in iOS 27, but the company is mulling a system-wide setting that would precisely adjust the look of the interface. In iOS 26.2, Apple added a slider that lets users adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass for the Lock Screen's clock, and that setting could be expanded to the entire operating system. Foldable iPhone Interface The first foldable iPhone will be introduced in September. Rumors suggest that it will feature a 5.5-inch display when folded, and a 7.8-inch display when it's opened up like a book. An iPhone with a larger display will require major updates to iOS, and iOS 27 will focus on building new interfaces and experiences made for a larger smartphone display. The iPhone Fold will operate like a cross between an iPhone and an iPad, but it will run iOS, not iPadOS, and it won't support iPad apps. When unfolded, the iPhone will have an iPad-like layout that supports multitasking with two apps side-by-side. Many of Apple's iPhone apps will have sidebars on the left of the display, with Apple providing developers with tools to easily adapt their apps to the new layout. Apple is using a wider design for the iPhone Fold than most foldable smartphone makers have used, and it is rumored to have an iPad-like 4:3 aspect ratio. When the iPhone is closed, it will have a standard iPhone layout that looks like the version of iOS we have now. Satellite Features Apple is working on several new satellite features for the iPhone, and it's possible some features could be introduced as soon as 2027. * Apple Maps via satellite * Photos in Messages via satellite * Satellite API framework for third-party apps * Satellite over 5G * Satellite connectivity without the need for a view of the sky Performance and Stability Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has described iOS 27 as a "Snow Leopard" update, suggesting that Apple will focus on improving underlying performance and quality. Apple is prioritizing cleaning up the iOS code and removing anything that's outdated, which could mean upgrading apps to improve performance and rewriting some existing features to be more efficient. The code updates could provide a more responsive, faster version of iOS. Apple is also aiming for efficiency improvements that could translate into tangible battery life gains. Launch Date Apple will preview the new iOS features at its WWDC 2026 keynote event on June 8. Developers will get access the same day, and a public beta will likely be available in July. iOS 27 will launch in September alongside new iPhones.

What to expect at Apple WWDC 2026: AI, Siri, and iOS 27

Annual developer conferences aren't always the most engaging events, but the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference tends to be a lot more interesting than, say, Microsoft Build. WWDC 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting Apple events in years, and we're expecting huge announcements related to Siri, iOS 27, and the future of Apple Intelligence. Not only that, but this is Tim Cook's final WWDC as Apple CEO. The big event is just days away, and we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Of course, we don't know what we don't know, and we also have a handful of burning questions. When is WWDC 2026? WWDC 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 8-12 at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. WWDC will kick off with a "Special Event" keynote scheduled for June 8 at 10 a.m. PT. You'll be able to livestream the show at Apple's website as well as via YouTube. Most of the big announcements typically take place at this opening keynote, though Apple will be hosting events for developers throughout the week. You can also join us at the CNET WWDC livestream watch party for a post-keynote breakdown of the biggest news and announcements. Mashable will be covering all of the announcements on our site and in a dedicated live blog, so check back on Monday for more. The AI Siri makes its grand entrance (no, really this time) The long-promised overhaul to Siri -- the one Apple has been teasing and delaying since the early Apple Intelligence announcements -- is expected to be front and center at WWDC 2026. Apple first promised the AI version of Siri two years ago, and had to settle a class-action lawsuit for $250 million when it failed to deliver (Apple did not admit to any wrongdoing, of course). AppleInsider reported that the update, codenamed "Campo" internally, will give Siri an interface closer to what you'd expect from ChatGPT or Claude. It's a more conversational, chatbot-style experience that Apple has been quietly building toward. We know that the newer, smarter Siri will be powered by Google Gemini, with Apple tapping Nvidia to power the compute. Given Apple's complicated history with an AI-powered Siri, Mashable's Chris Taylor wonders whether a live demo of the AI Siri is in store for WWDC. Apple is also heavily rumored to debut a standalone Siri app at WWDC 2026. And Bloomberg's Mark Gurman -- the source of virtually all iOS 27 and Siri rumors -- predicts that the WWDC 2026 promotional artwork gives us a glimpse of what this new Siri experience will look like. To promote the event, Apple has been using images with glowing, neon lights, along with a dove outline and the phrase "All systems glow." In addition to a possible app, Gurman says that Siri will have a major presence in the iPhone's Dynamic Island. So, has a hint to the new AI Siri been hiding in plain sight all along? Will the Dynamic Island light up and glow when Siri is listening or responding to users? We should find out come June 8. Big changes coming in iOS 27 In November 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman broke the news that iOS 27 is being positioned internally as Apple's "Snow Leopard" moment -- a callback to the 2009 Mac OS X release that famously ran a "no new features" marketing campaign that laid the groundwork for every update since. As Gurman described it, Apple's engineering teams are "combing through Apple's operating systems, hunting for bloat to cut, bugs to eliminate, and any opportunity to meaningfully boost performance and overall quality." The motivation isn't hard to understand. Since the release of iOS 26, users have reported a lengthy list of grievances, including unexplained battery drain, UI glitches, and keyboard issues. Liquid Glass has also proven very controversial online, even as iPhones are more popular than ever. So, with iOS 27, we expect Apple to answer some of these issues with UI updates, simplification, and potentially some tweaks to Liquid Glass customization settings. In addition, we're looking for new iOS 27 features such as: * New AI photo editing and text generation tools * An Apple Wallet update that lets people split bills easily * Updates to the Camera and Photos apps * Custom widgets in the Camera app * Updates to Image Playground and Genmoji * A new "Conditions" panel in the Weather app * The ability to choose third-party AI models to power Apple Intelligence features What about Apple Intelligence updates? Beyond the Siri overhaul, Gurman has reported that Apple is weaving more Apple Intelligence features into additional apps throughout iOS 27, and we expect macOS 27, iPad OS 27, and watchOS to get the same treatment. The most intriguing addition: a health-focused AI agent tied to a Health+ subscription, expected to arrive next fall. There's also reportedly an expansion of Apple's AI-powered web search, which Apple is positioning as a direct competitor to both ChatGPT and Perplexity. Gurman also revealed that Apple has been internally testing a full chatbot app called Veritas, which is described as a text-based proving ground for the re-architected Siri. Apple reportedly has no plans to release Veritas as a standalone product. Don't forget about the other OS-es! While the new version of iOS tends to dominate headlines after WWDC, we're also expecting to learn about the latest updates to watchOS 27, tvOS 27, macOS 27, visionOS 27, and iPadOS 27. Last year, iPadOS 26 introduced major new multitasking features such as windows and task menus. According to Cult of Mac, Apple will also be taking a bug-hunting approach with iPads, improving the multitasking and windows experience. We also expect Liquid Glass to get some light tweaks. As for macOS, we're expecting the introduction of yet another California-themed name (last year it was Tahoe), and general improvements to the user experience. Rumor has it that Intel-era Macs will no longer be supported with this update, per Mac Rumors. The first confirmation of the iPhone Ultra? Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but we're hoping to get the first glimpse (and official confirmation) of the foldable iPhone we all know Apple is building. The phone has leaked heavily online in recent months, and it's rumored to be called the iPhone Fold Ultra. Typically, Apple debuts new smartphones at its September iPhone event, but if Apple does plan to release an iPhone Fold in the fall (and all signs point to yes), then iOS 27 must have been built with a foldable device in mind. Indeed, according to Gurman, iOS 27 is meant to prepare Apple's software stack for the foldable future. For instance, a leak on Weibo claims that iOS 27 will debut "Parallel View" in landscape mode, allowing users to open two windows or apps at once. The Tim Cook situation No WWDC preview would be complete without a word on Apple's leadership. Apple confirmed earlier this year that Tim Cook will officially pass the CEO torch to John Ternus, Apple's SVP of Hardware Engineering. That means this is the final WWDC of the Tim Cook era. Ternus is best known for shepherding the transition to Apple silicon and the M series processors, among other accomplishments (he's been at Apple for a long time). It's likely that Ternus will have more visibility at this event, with the future CEO taking the reins for the September iPhone launch event. We wouldn't be surprised if WWDC includes some sort of tribute or farewell to Cook. The CEO has had an enormously successful run at the helm of Apple, which he took over from Steve Jobs himself in 2011. Apple is now the world's most popular mobile brand, and a lot of Apple fans will be watching closely to see how Cook closes this chapter in Apple history.

WWDC 2026: The year of the do-over

Apple faces pressure to balance ambitious AI innovation with realistic execution, focusing on practical iPhone user solutions rather than generic demonstrations. Every year at WWDC, Apple kicks off a new cycle of operating system updates that will change the faces of the devices we use every day for the next year. On June 8, we'll get our first glimpse at what the "27" operating systems will bring, which will lead to their arrival in the fall and numerous major updates all the way through next May, when the cycle will begin again. I've been attending Apple's WWDC since sometime in the 1990s, which is... a long time. But this year's event promises to be one of the most interesting ones yet, mostly because in 2024, Apple really stepped in it, promising a bunch of features it didn't deliver. Last year was a bit of an apology tour, but it didn't directly address what had been promised previously. Which means that Apple has really piled two years of promises on the agenda of WWDC 2026. The stakes couldn't be higher. Here's what I'll be watching for at this year's event, especially when it comes to its AI do-over. Time to deliver In 2025, Apple didn't make a single promise at WWDC in June that it failed to deliver by the end of the year. That was by design, as a way to begin to repair the trust that was breached when it got out too far over its skis in 2024. It was a good start, but AI was also largely absent from the promise list last year. This year, Apple needs to deliver on what it failed to deliver in 2024. It needs to deliver the coherent AI strategy it ended up punting two years ago. It's time to renew the vows it made in 2024 and provide a comprehensive approach to AI features on Apple platforms that it can actually begin executing in 2026. The tricky thing is that Apple will need to thread the needle between what's possible and pragmatic and what goes a bit too far. If it gets too conservative with its promises, it risks seeming dowdy and behind the times. But if it goes too wild with promises, it risks a repeat of 2024, where it couldn't execute at the level it had assumed it could. What's the right balance between those two extremes? Apple doesn't want to be seen as being behind, but it also doesn't want to seem desperate in trying to keep up with the cool kids-especially since the power and success of the iPhone means that it doesn't have to. (All the major AI platforms are popular on iOS, which helps a lot.) I think it's more likely that Apple is still overcorrecting from 2024 and will be restrained in what it announces this year, which means I'm bracing for disappointment. What I hope will happen is that Apple will sketch out its broader vision for how AI fits in with its platforms-including some foundational technologies like App Intents and Siri-even if it has to admit that it's going to take longer than six months to get there. Apple hates giving road maps, hates talking about general directions rather than specific features that it can ship, but I think it's required here. It should sell us on its vision for how AI fits in with what it's doing, and then can give some near-term examples of how it's starting to execute on that front. I don't think anyone reasonable feels Apple needs to solve everything about AI in iOS 27.0-but feeling like the company knows where it's going and knows how to get there would sure help. Don't let your standards slip Much has been made of Apple's broken promises in 2024, but there's another sin of the past the company should not repeat: lowering its own standards in order to get features out the door. Forget about the AI features that didn't ship in 2024. The ones that did were not very good! They showed all the signs of being slapped together in a rush in order to get something out the door. Let me give you one example: Writing Tools. AI large-language models excel at writing and rewriting text-it's how they got started. Integrating those text tools into Apple's platforms seemed like basic table stakes. But what Apple shipped wasn't integrated. Its operating systems have been checking your spelling and providing other editing tools for ages. Writing Tools wasn't thoughtfully integrated into the larger text-editing package-it was like a sidecar bolted on to the side, completely separate, with a weird, off-putting interface. What has always set Apple apart from the competition is a thoughtful application of high technology in ways that solve problems for users. Writing Tools does solve some problems, but I wouldn't call its application thoughtful. What I want to see in 2026 is a set of AI features that Apple has really thought through and that fit with the iOS and macOS experience. Features that carry the unmistakable smell of panic and fear are a red flag. Focus on the practical You can't escape the marketing of AI features, but most of that marketing struggles to come up with good, realistic examples of why you'd use those features. (This is a side effect of the features coming first, and the use cases second, which is not how you should ever develop a product.) Apple, to its credit, has proven very good at coming up with examples. All of those Apple Intelligence ads that it got sued over because the features never shipped? At least they were based on useful examples! So during the WWDC keynote, what I want to see are practical demonstrations of Apple's features. I don't need Apple to prove that it's chasing cutting-edge AI features; I want it to solve the problems of iPhone users. I want it to show AI tools fixing things that Apple's customers want to have fixed. And if I see another demo where someone points a camera at a refrigerator and asks for a recipe with the visible ingredients, someone is getting sent to the principal's office. New leaders with a new attitude In the last two years, Apple has gotten rid of the people in charge of its AI strategy. There are new bosses now, and of course, John Ternus is about to become the new CEO. New leadership gives organizations an opportunity to turn the page and do things differently. Even if the new leaders are longtime employees (which is almost always the case at Apple), they're in new roles, and they have the opportunity to put their own stamp on things. I want to see that. I want to get the sense that in the last two years, Apple has really rethought how it approaches AI. What does Siri mean now, compared to what it's meant the last 14 years? Is it the core brand, or is that Apple Intelligence? How do apps function in an increasingly AI-driven world? Sure, new hardware if you have it The top rookie mistake of WWDC anticipation is expecting there to be hardware. This isn't a hardware event; it's an operating-system announcement and developer event. That said, sometimes hardware does appear at WWDC. It doesn't have to, but it could. The Mac Studio and Mac mini both have pretty favorable developer-related narratives, what with the high-end power of the Studio and the fact that the Mac mini has become a darling gadget of AI agent tinkering. Neither product has been updated to M5 yet. This would seem like a decent time, actually, to announce some hardware! But given all the chip shortages out there, I get the feeling that Apple might not really want to create more demand for M5 chips and RAM when it doesn't need to. Still, if you want to hold out hope for a hardware announcement, I'm not going to stomp on your dreams. Want to learn more about Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference? Read the Macworld WWDC superguide and check out the full coverage of WWDC.

What's on Your iOS 27 Wishlist Ahead of WWDC 2026?

We're just a handful of days away from Apple's 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference, which will see the introduction of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more. We've heard plenty of rumors about iOS 27 and it sounds like most of the new features will focus on Siri and AI, but we want to hear from readers. Are you looking forward to any of the new capabilities? Read our iOS 27 roundup to see what's in store. What's at the top of your wishlist? Do you want updates to the Liquid Glass design? Multitasking options? More emoji? MacRumors readers have been discussing some of their iOS 27 wants in a dedicated iOS 27 wishlist forum thread that's worth checking out. Some top picks: * Support for using any third-party AI assistant (which is rumored) * A dock with more than four icons * An option for using two apps at once * Dynamic wallpapers * Imports from the Files app to the Music and TV apps * Themes from prior versions of iOS * Multiple user accounts and/or guest mode (for iPadOS 27) * Clipboard history * An RSS app * A tool for PC file transfers Let us know what you're hoping to see from Apple. The WWDC 2026 keynote event will take place on Monday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

What the Rumors Say About WWDC 2026

The company will also announce the "27 era," including iOS 27, macOS 27, watch27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. WWDC 2026 is nearly here. On Monday, June 8, Apple will launch a virtual presentation announcing all of its big software features for the next year. Unless the company pulls off a big surprise, we're heading into the "27" era, which will include iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. That's a lot of updates. The company tends to keep things pretty close to the vest, which means we don't really know what it will reveal next week. However, there are plenty of leaks and rumors to sift through (reliable ones, mind you) that paint a fairly detailed picture of what WWDC 2026 will look like. Spoiler: Expect a whole lot of AI. WWDC 2026: AI Siri finally arrives The showstopping new feature the tech world expects Apple to announce this year is actually something Apple already announced a few years ago: a new Siri, upgraded with AI. Apple originally unveiled this souped-up Siri during WWDC 2024, intended to release with iOS 18. While the company did indeed include some AI features in iOS 18, dubbed "Apple Intelligence," an AI-powered Siri has been MIA for two years. There's even been a class action lawsuit about it. While it might seem a bit foolhardy to put stock in the new Siri's debut, given Apple's repeated delays, it really does seem like the upgraded assistant is arriving this year. Rumor has it Apple's new Siri will be much more contextual, meaning it will understand what's happening on your screen to help answer your questions. You'll be able to drag down from the top of your screen at any time to pull up the new assistant, though it will also have a standalone chatbot app should you want a more dedicated AI experience. It'll feel odd to have an actual Siri app for the first time on iOS, but if Apple really upgrades the assistant in a meaningful way, it makes sense. Furthermore, the promises of AI Siri from 2024 should still hold: Siri will supposedly be able to take actions on your behalf, like editing an image or sharing files with contacts. It should also be able to dig through your various apps to find relevant information. For example, when you give it a prompt like "What time does my mom's flight get in?" Siri should know to tap into Messages and Mail to find your mom's travel itinerary, flight number, and any other sources that might give it the context necessary to answer the question. In this way, Siri on iOS 27 should feel more like using ChatGPT or Gemini. Of course, you can tap into ChatGPT instead of Siri when you want to, and Apple reportedly is using Gemini to power some of these new features. WWDC 2026: iOS 27 AI Siri will likely be the focus of Apple's iOS 27 event, but that doesn't mean the iPhone will miss out on other new features. To keep the focus on AI for a bit, Apple will likely update Apple Intelligence with new features and abilities. Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning a number of natural language-based upgrades that will let you tell iOS what you want to see, so the AI can run actions on your behalf. This will work with generating wallpapers, creating shortcuts, and editing photos. Speaking of photos, the Photos app is getting two new AI-powered tools: "Reframe" and "Extend." The former can adjust the framing of a photo, while the latter can expand it with AI-generated imagery. The company is also making small improvements to features like Image Playground and Genmoji, and may introduce a new AI web search tool, similar to Perplexity or Google's AI Mode. Interestingly, Apple already announced a slate of new AI accessibility features likely coming to iOS 27. In recent years, the company has revealed accessibility features ahead of the keynote, and this year is no different. This includes the ability to use Voice Control with natural language, automated subtitles on any video, and VoiceOver descriptions of your surroundings, among other new options. While Apple didn't confirm that these features were arriving with the new update, they almost assuredly are. iOS 27's Camera app will be more customizable than ever, with a new widget system to set up the app to your liking. There will also be a new Siri mode that may bring Visual Intelligence features directly to the Camera app, making it more obvious to users who might otherwise miss the feature. AirPods users may also get a more straightforward settings menu, though the company is overdue for a dedicated AirPods app. iOS 27 should look pretty similar to iOS 26, which may come as a disappointment for any Liquid Glass detractors. That being said, Apple may roll out a new slider that lets you further control the overall appearance of Liquid Glass, building off the options it added with subsequent versions of iOS. While there will be plenty of new features, you might not see as many as in previous years. Apple may be taking iOS 27 as an opportunity to roll out more stability updates for this year, similar to what it did with Mac OS X "Snow Leopard" back in the day. WWDC 2026: iPadOS 27 The iPad rumor mill is quiet this year. I expect, therefore, all of the above to apply to iPadOS 27: the new AI Siri, new AI features, and stability updates. We might get some surprise big-screen Apple features, but at this time, I expect iPadOS to look mostly like iOS. WWDC 2026: macOS 27 Like iOS and iPadOS 27, macOS 27's biggest new feature will likely be AI-based. It, too, will get the new AI Siri, as well as many of the AI upgrades mentioned above. The Photos app on macOS 27 should have the same editing tools as iOS 27, and you may be able to control Liquid Glass with a slider. Really, the two OSes seem more in sync than ever. That said, the big question is whether Apple will introduce any touch-based elements to macOS 27. The company is working on a touch-based MacBook, which will require the first touch-compatible version of macOS in Apple's history. The company may show off some of these new changes at WWDC, but it may also hold off until the MacBook's announcement. WWDC isn't a hardware event, so Apple likely won't reveal the new computer itself at this time. WWDC 2026: watchOS 27 You know the drill: Apple Watch users upgrading to watchOS 27 will get the new AI Siri (assuming your watch supports Apple Intelligence). What that actually means for Apple Watch users is still very much up in the air: The experience should be very different on watchOS (you're almost certainly not going to be editing photos with AI on the wearable), but we'll have to see which features get ported to Apple Watch when WWDC kicks off next week. But watchOS 27 gets some other new features, too. Bloomberg reports that Apple's stability mindset is coming to watchOS as well, but that the company does intend to take the opportunity to improve heart rate monitoring with this new update. How they will do that remains to be seen, but if Apple can upgrade my heart rate monitoring without me buying a new Apple Watch, I'll be impressed. Apple may also roll out a new watch face based on a design previously exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra. WWDC 2026: tvOS 27 We don't know much about tvOS 27 updates, although I imagine Apple will roll out some Siri upgrades. However, we do know one new feature on the way: In Apple's big accessibility announcement, it shared that users will be able to adjust tvOS' text size for the first time. WWDC 2026: visionOS 27 Apple Vision Pro fans can expect many of the same updates as iPhone and Mac fans. That means AI Siri, AI features (like photo editing and natural language perks), and stability updates.

3 questions we still have before WWDC 2026

Apple may not be the world's most valuable company at the moment -- that's Nvidia -- but it is still by far the world's most scrutinized. Thanks to a robust set of supply-chain leakers revealing every aspect of new Apple products before they arrive (catch up on the latest iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 rumors and leaks), an Apple launch event can often lack surprises. And in a normal year, Apple's annual Worldwide Developers' Conference (WWDC) is no exception. But WWDC 2026 is not a normal year, and an unusual air of mystery still clings to the keynote. That's not just because we expect the AI version of Siri to make its debut, but also because we don't know whether Tim Cook, in his last WWDC as CEO, will pass the baton to CEO-in-waiting John Ternus during the event. Will Ternus get on-the-job training, keynoting side-by-side with Cook? Or will he take a lesser role, like he did introducing the iPhone Air last September? Beyond that mystery, here are our three big burning questions for the Apple WWDC keynote, which kicks off at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, June 8, 2026. Will we see the iPhone Fold (or Ultra) at all? The last we heard about the iPhone Fold, Apple's late-to-the-party entry into the foldable smartphone market, its official launch date had been pushed back, likely until the holiday season. Given a global memory chip shortage, analysts have warned that the company may not have enough supply to satisfy demand until 2027. Still, iPhone Fold prototypes exist (or iPhone Ultra, if one report is to be believed -- the dueling names being just one example of Apple exerting an unusual amount of lockdown). Cook may reason that it makes sense to wow us with an early look at one, and end that confusion about the name. After all, that's what Steve Jobs did with the original iPhone: gave us a sneak peak in January 2007, long before the official summer launch. The Jobs strategy would make sense here, given that Apple is already late to the foldable game -- and is effectively leapfrogging competitors with its larger folding screen. Cook may also want to cement his association with the Fold/Ultra, given that he led the company during its development. What better way to do that than to bring back, just this once, a Jobs-like "one more thing"? Ternus takes over on September 1, so any future iPhone Fold/Ultra launch event will be his baby. Does Cook want the world's first official look at the Fold/Ultra to be in Ternus' hands? Then again, Cook's lack of ego has been one of the defining features of his tenure. So he may be perfectly fine letting his chief product guy take the credit (or, if the Fold/Ultra fails in any way, the fall). Will the new AI Siri surprise us? During the Cook years, Apple has struggled with a delicate balancing act on the subject of AI. On the one hand, Cook is clearly a skeptic about the tech industry's tendency to overhype LLMs -- and given that bombshell white papers coming out of Apple's research arm show plainly that even so-called reasoning models can't reason, he has every reason to think that way. On the other hand, consumers have every right to expect that they could treat Siri, Apple's creaky old AI chatbot, like it has the intelligence of models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Google's Gemini. And that's what we're expecting to get: A Gemini-powered Siri voice assistant, along with a new Siri app and an AI agent app store, that fulfills the company's long-deferred promise of Apple Intelligence. Reportedly, you'll be able to choose third-party AI tools too. Upgraded Siri will also likely feature in the camera app, offering editing options and other forms of "Visual Intelligence." And it will reportedly be ad-free and more focused on privacy than its AI rivals, with features like auto-deleting chat logs. OK, but how does Cook (or Ternus) effectively demonstrate the AI power of the new Siri? Here the company may run into a boy-who-cried-wolf problem. Thanks to Apple's, um, overly enthusiastic marketing after the original Apple Intelligence announcement, showcasing features that didn't exist, the company had to settle a class-action lawsuit. How, then, can an ad within this keynote showcasing Apple Intelligence capabilities not give us skeptical vibes, even if they do exist this time around? The biggest Siri surprise of all would be a live demo -- but given that Apple hasn't done that in keynotes since 2019 (Cook went pre-recorded in 2020), don't hold your breath. Will we see a 'GenAI' Apple website? However much we see of Siri, the focus of WWDC 2026 is on Apple's "AI advancements." So how else will that manifest in practice? One possibility is that a selection of AI apps and services will appear on the web as well as on Apple devices -- perhaps at genai.apple.com, a website Apple has reportedly added to its domain name servers but hasn't yet populated. Apple doesn't tend to do much on the web, but it does do more than you think. All your iCloud backups and services are available when you sign in at iCloud.com, a lifesaver if you've lost your phone. A website that provides the new Siri, alongside third-party AI chatbots and other Apple Intelligence services, would make a lot of sense, especially given Apple's longtime emphasis on privacy and security. Such a site could also boost its popularity by offering ChatGPT (Apple has an ongoing deal with OpenAI, despite a potential lawsuit) without the ads that OpenAI has started serving. Will iOS 27 be lighter... and less Liquid? The real star of the WWDC show, of course, is Apple's latest iteration of its signature iPhone operating system. But iOS 27 has more riding on it than most upgrades. That's not just because of the new Siri, or the foldable software supposedly stuffed into iOS 27. It's because iOS 26 was a controversial upgrade, to say the least. Reports of low adoption numbers turned out to be exaggerated. But the unease was undeniable. Many users expressed outrage on Reddit that iOS 26 felt like "bloatware" that slowed down the keyboard, among other features. Most controversial of all: the Liquid Glass aesthetic that made app icons look like cheap gel stickers, as some saw it. Certainly, the hurried departure of the design chief behind Liquid Glass doesn't suggest it was a hit inside the company. So, how different will iOS 27 look? Is the cool glowing animation promoting WWDC 2026, reportedly the Siri redesign hiding in plain sight, a harbinger of good things to come? Did Apple engineers spend the last year effectively filleting the bloat, or making it worse? Will it end support for the iPhone 11? Join us on the series finale of Tim Cook's Apple keynotes to find out!

What to expect from WWDC 2026

WWDC 2026 is set to take place from June 8-12, with Apple expected to unveil significant updates during the event. The highlight is anticipated to be an overhauled version of Siri, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple will stream the keynote live on its website, YouTube channel, and the Apple Developer Bilibili channel in China. The conference will also feature the Platforms State of the Union and extra developer workshops on Apple's developer website. The upcoming software updates will focus on stability improvements and artificial intelligence enhancements across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Gurman indicated that the redesigned Siri is set to become a central element of the software for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Renderings of iOS 27 suggest a revamped Siri interface and a new chatbot-style app. A standalone Siri app is expected, aiming to compete with ChatGPT and other AI assistants. The Siri animated icon will be relocated to the Dynamic Island, and users will be able to launch a new Search or Ask interface by swiping down from the top center of the iPhone. The Notification Center will now be accessed by swiping down from the top left. Reported updates for iOS 27 include a customizable camera app, several bug fixes, and visual refinements to the Liquid Glass design. Gurman noted the revamped Siri may debut as early as September and could constitute Tim Cook's final major product launch. In a parallel move, Apple aims to improve the performance and quality of its operating systems, reminiscent of the Mac OS X Snow Leopard approach. Engineering teams are currently identifying bugs and reducing bloat in the system. Potential adjustments to the Liquid Glass interface are also under consideration based on user feedback. Earlier promises for significant Siri enhancements made during WWDC 2024 had faced delays, but new features may finally arrive this year. A January 2026 partnership with Google, involving the use of Gemini models, is expected to enable advanced capabilities. These features could facilitate more interactive, natural conversations with Siri, including the ability for users to direct the assistant to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The upcoming Siri app will allow users to manage tasks, search the internet, and access news, while also providing options for reviewing past interactions. Furthermore, the "Ask Siri" interface might be integrated into app menus for context-specific inquiries.

Siri in iOS 27: Every New Feature and Change to Expect

Apple first introduced the idea of a smarter version of Siri at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference. Siri with Apple Intelligence was supposed to launch as part of iOS 18, but the underlying architecture wasn't good enough, and Apple was forced to delay the feature. We're now expecting a new version of Siri in iOS 27 with some long-awaited smarts. Siri's New Capabilities Based on Apple's promises and rumors about what's coming in the new version of iOS, Siri in iOS 27 will be nothing like Siri in iOS 26. In 2024, Apple showed us three ways that Siri will improve, but two years have passed and extra work has been done, so we're expecting even more than what Apple demonstrated back then. Siri is going to be able to draw on user data and information from Apple devices, with access to personal data for completing tasks. The assistant is also going to be able to do more with apps, and it will be able to tell what's on the screen to answer questions. Personal Context Siri will be able to access emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning all about you to help you complete tasks and keep track of what you've been sent. Apple offered some examples of how personal context will work: * Show me the files Eric sent me last week. * Find the email where Eric mentioned ice skating. * Find the books that Eric recommended to me. * Where's the recipe that Eric sent me? * What's my passport number? Onscreen Awareness Onscreen awareness will let Siri see what's on your screen and complete actions involving whatever you're looking at. If someone texts you an address, you can tell Siri to add it to their contact card. Or if you're looking at a photo and want to send it to someone, you can ask Siri to do it for you. App Integration Siri will be able to do more in and across apps, performing actions and completing tasks that are just not possible with the personal assistant right now. We don't have a full picture of what Siri will be capable of, but Apple gave a few examples of what to expect. * Moving files from one app to another. * Editing a photo and then sharing it with someone. * Getting directions home and sending the ETA in the Messages app. * Drafting and then sending an email. Siri will be able to complete tasks in Apple apps and in third-party apps, with developers able to expose app capabilities to Siri. Siri as a Chatbot Apple is turning Siri into a full chatbot that users can interact with similarly to Claude or ChatGPT. The Siri chatbot will be integrated into Apple's operating systems at the system level, plus there will be a Siri app for back-and-forth conversations. Siri will be able to do the same things that other chatbots can do. It will be able to search the web for answers to questions and provide summaries, evaluate and summarize uploaded documents, and even generate images and content so you can do things like get help with writing or creating an infographic. Unlike ChatGPT and Claude, Siri will have deeper Apple device integration and more access to user data. Current chatbots can't access your mail app, what you've written in notes, your Photos Library, or your messages, but Siri will have that information. Personal data access will set Siri apart and give iPhone users some of the features that Android users have been able to enjoy thanks to Gemini's integration with Google services. Siri will be able to answer multi-part questions, remember what it was asked before, maintain context across requests, and remember details about the user. Siri's Design With Siri's chatbot transition, Apple will be making multiple Siri-related design changes. Siri will largely live in the Dynamic Island, and there will be new ways to access Siri. Swiping down from the center of the iPhone's display from the Home Screen or any app will bring up a new "Search or Ask" feature in the Dynamic Island. A glowing, pill-shaped animation will be displayed in the Dynamic Island to indicate that Siri is processing a request. Search or Ask replaces Siri Suggestions and will let users launch apps, start text messages, ask about the weather, add calendar appointments, trigger shortcuts in apps, and search the web using Apple's new AI web search feature. Search or Ask queries will also be able to be sent to third-party chatbot services like ChatGPT instead of Siri. While Siri can be accessed through a swipe in iOS 27, Apple is keeping the "Hey Siri" wake word and Siri activation through the Side button. With the new center swipe, accessing the Notification Center will be done with a swipe down on the left side of the display. Swiping down on the right side will continue to bring up Control Center. Apple will also integrate an "Ask Siri" button into the menus of its apps, giving users a way to send content directly to Siri alongside a request. The new Siri interface uses dark colors with no light mode available. Siri UI elements have a dark background with color accents that mirror the options Apple is using in WWDC imagery. Apple's WWDC website features a white Swift bird with subtle highlights in pink, dark blue, purple, and orange. A Siri App There will be a dedicated Siri app for interacting with Siri, and it will look similar to apps for third-party chatbots but with an Apple design aesthetic. We have a separate guide on the Siri app. Privacy Apple plans to lean into privacy as a central principle of its approach to AI, giving it a way to distinguish Siri from other chatbot options. Apple will likely aim to keep as much processing on-device as possible to limit the amount of data that leaves a user's device. Apple said that Apple Intelligence features will continue to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute. Apple will have limits around memory, including restrictions on the information that can persist and how long it is kept. Users will be able to auto-delete Siri chats and requests after a set period of time, like 30 days or one year. There will also be an option to keep chats permanently. Siri can be turned off right now, as can Apple Intelligence, and there's no sign that's going to change in iOS 27. Users who don't want to enable Siri or use the new features will not have to. Siri Extensions Apple is letting rival chatbots integrate with Siri in iOS 27, expanding on the OpenAI partnership that currently allows Siri to hand off requests to ChatGPT. Apple plans to allow other chatbots like Claude and Gemini to work with Siri, so users will be able to send questions to their favorite chatbot instead of Siri. iPhone users will be able to select which services they want to use inside Siri through "Extensions" options coming to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. The options will be available in the Apple Intelligence and Siri section of the Settings app, with Apple providing download links for chatbot apps. There will be a dedicated Extensions section in the App Store that will serve as a way to choose a third-party AI app. Siri will be the default for the Search or Ask interface, but rumors suggest users will be able to select other chatbots to speak with. Users will also be able to choose third-party AI services as the default for Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground, expanding Apple Intelligence integration beyond ChatGPT. Apple also plans to let users choose voices from third-party AI to use instead of Siri, so there will be a distinct audio difference between a response from Siri and a response from the user's chatbot of choice. Siri would use one voice, while responses from third-party AI options would use another voice. Gemini Help To get Siri up and running, Apple partnered with Google to use Gemini AI models instead of using its own AI models. Apple signed a multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini models and cloud technology for its Apple Foundation Models. Google and Apple said that the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google Gemini models, with Gemini used to power future Apple Intelligence features and the more personalized version of Siri. Apple said Google's AI technology offered the most capable foundation for its models. Device Compatibility Apple Intelligence features require an iPhone 15 Pro or later, and it's possible some of the new Siri options could be limited to those same models. Launch Date Apple will preview the new Siri at its WWDC 2026 keynote event on June 8, with betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 provided to developers the same day. Public betas will come in July, and the software updates will launch in September. It is not yet clear if all of the new Siri features will be available in the beta, or even right when iOS 27 launches.

What to expect from Apple's next big event - including new iPhone software and (finally) a revamped Siri

Apple's developer event is next week and not only will there be a updated iOS, but we'll also get the new AI-infused Siri, too Apple is set to hold its annual developer conference next week and, as always, there will be a lot to talk about, including new software for the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Not only is it CEO Tim Cook's last outing before he is replaced by John Ternus on 1 September, but it is another big event from Apple's 50th anniversary year. In a previous announcement, Apple confirmed WWDC26 (WWDC means Worldwide Developer Conference) will primarily be an online event as it has been for the last few years. But as usual there while there will be a 'special" in-person part for developers, students and the media on June 8 too. The event has been trailed with an 'all systems glow' tagline - presumably a reference to Apple's Liquid Glass design language, but it could also be a reference to the way Siri makes the edges of your iPhone glow when activated. You'll be able to watch the WWDC26 keynote on Apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website, Apple TV, and YouTube. The likely time for this is 11am PST, 2pm EDT, 6pm GMT, 7pm CEST, 11.30pm IST on 8 June (that's 2am CST and 4am AEST on 9 June). Here's where the keynote video will be on YouTube: The key announcement The headline-maker at WWDC26 is likely to be the new AI-infused Siri which is powered by Google Gemini. The announcement of Gemini as a partner was divisive yet understandable so expect Tim Cook and others to underline the privacy of this version of Siri. Indeed, Google might not get much of a mention at all. Expect Apple to be modest about this rather than proclaiming it is the announcement of the decade, largely because Apple Intelligence and the revamped Siri was trailed at WWDC two years ago and the new Siri has been AWOL since then. Apple has had to eat a large amount of humble pie (see the Wall Street Journal interview from YouTube below). The assistant will be much more conversational, with context-aware, multi-step tasks possible. And, of course, the benefit is that it will be deeply integrated with your Apple apps and devices in a privacy-first approach. Plus you can plug other tools such as ChatGPT or Claude into it. It sounds like there will be a dedicated Siri app to compete with existing AI apps. New software As usual we'll get new software previews for all of Apple's operating systems, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27 and tvOS 27. I presume the naming convention will follow that of last year's given this is only the second year the new 'year-by-year' nomenclature will have been used. As usual, this software will be available for developers straight away, with a public beta to follow at a later date. The final software will then launch in the fall. Expect big fixes and tweaks this time around like this rumored keyboard enhancement. The focus will be on making the Liquid Glass user interface more palatable rather than reinventing it or replacing elements. Expect various usability fixes and more benefits from the revamped Siri, of course. There will also be tweaks to iOS for the upcoming iPhone Fold / iPhone Ultra and explorers will no doubt find some of this in code, even if Apple itself doesn't talk about it until September. Will we get any hardware? Possibly. It's unusual that Apple launches any hardware at this event these days, though it has launched high-end stuff at the event, notably Vision Pro's first reveal in 2023 or the short-lived iMac Pro in 2017. The Mac Studio wasn't announced there but it was given a speed boost at the event in 2022. With the Mac Pro now dead, expect the Mac Studio to receive an M5 Max and M5 Ultra-level upgrade at the event. It's unlikely, but there's still an Apple TV and HomePod mini refresh seemingly in the pipeline and there is a little potential for these to also launch at the event. What does Apple say about the event? In its announcement Apple says: "WWDC26 will spotlight incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools. As part of the company's ongoing commitment to supporting developers, WWDC will also provide unique access to Apple engineers and designers, and insight into new tools, frameworks, and features." Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations adds: "WWDC is one of the most exciting times for us at Apple because it's a chance for our incredible global developer community to come together for an electrifying week that celebrates technology, innovation, and collaboration."

One Week to Go: Apple Gets Ready for WWDC 2026 With YouTube Placeholder

We're just a week out from the 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference, and Apple's keynote will take place on Monday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time or 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Ahead of the event, Apple has launched its WWDC 2026 YouTube event placeholder. The WWDC 2026 keynote will be streamed on YouTube, on the Apple Events page, and in the Apple TV app. We'll also have coverage on MacRumors.com for those who are unable to watch. At this year's event, Apple will introduce the latest versions of its software, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. The main focus will be on Siri and the major AI updates coming to Apple's personal assistant. Siri is going to be much smarter, with chatbot-like capabilities and a dedicated Siri app. We have details on what to expect in our iOS 27 roundup.

Why Apple's iOS 27 Siri Upgrade Changes Everything We Expected

Apple is poised to redefine the digital assistant landscape with the release of iOS 27, unveiling a significantly enhanced Siri. This update introduces a smarter, more versatile, and privacy-focused version of the assistant, designed to deliver a seamless, user-centric experience. By using advanced AI, deeper app integration, and enhanced customization, Siri aims to set a new standard for digital assistants. This long-anticipated update is crafted to distinguish Siri from its competitors and solidify its position as a leader in the field. The video below from MacRumors gives us more details on what Apple has planned for Siri in iOS 27. Key Features of the New Siri The iOS 27 update brings a host of innovative features that elevate Siri's functionality and usability. These enhancements are designed to make Siri more intuitive, efficient and responsive to user needs. Key highlights include: * Personal Data Integration: Siri now has the ability to access your emails, messages, files, and photos, allowing it to assist with complex tasks such as retrieving specific emails or recalling personal details like your passport number. * Onscreen Content Interaction: Siri can interact directly with the content displayed on your screen, such as extracting an address from an email or sharing a photo from your gallery. * Deeper App Integration: Multi-step commands allow Siri to perform tasks across multiple apps, such as editing a photo, organizing it into a folder, and emailing it, all in a single request. * Advanced Chatbot Functionality: Siri evolves into a conversational AI capable of summarizing documents, generating images, and providing tailored responses based on your personal data. * Redesigned Interface: Siri integrates into the Dynamic Island and features a dedicated app with a conversational interface, dark mode, and dynamic animations for enhanced usability. * Privacy and Customization: On-device processing, limited data retention, and AI voice customization ensure a secure and personalized experience. * Collaboration with Google: Apple's partnership with Google incorporates Gemini models and cloud technology, enhancing Siri's AI capabilities for more accurate and complex query processing. Personalized Assistance with Data Integration One of the most significant advancements in the new Siri is its ability to integrate seamlessly with your personal data. By accessing your emails, messages, files and photos, Siri can handle tasks that previously required manual effort. For instance, you can ask Siri to locate a specific email, retrieve a document, or recall personal information such as your passport number. This level of integration transforms Siri into a truly personalized assistant, streamlining workflows and saving valuable time. By focusing on user-specific needs, Siri becomes a more effective tool for managing daily tasks. Contextual Awareness with Onscreen Interaction Siri's enhanced contextual awareness allows it to interact directly with the content displayed on your device. Whether it's extracting key details from a document, adding an address from an email to your contacts, or sharing a photo, Siri's ability to understand and respond to onscreen content makes it more efficient and user-friendly. This feature reduces the need for repetitive commands and ensures that Siri adapts to your needs in real time. By focusing on what's on your screen, Siri delivers a more intuitive and responsive experience. Expanding Functionality Through App Integration The update introduces multi-step app commands, allowing Siri to execute complex tasks across multiple applications. For example, you can instruct Siri to edit a photo, move it to a specific folder, and email it, all in one seamless command. This deeper app integration extends to third-party applications, allowing developers to integrate their features with Siri. As a result, Siri becomes a more versatile tool for productivity, capable of handling a wide range of tasks with ease. This expanded functionality ensures that Siri remains relevant and adaptable to the diverse needs of its users. Advanced Chatbot Capabilities Siri's transformation into a conversational chatbot represents a major leap forward in its capabilities. Beyond simple web searches, Siri can now summarize lengthy documents, generate images, and provide tailored recommendations. Unlike generic chatbots, Siri's access to your personal data allows it to deliver contextually aware responses, making it a more personalized and effective assistant. This evolution positions Siri as a powerful tool for both personal and professional use, capable of handling complex queries and providing insightful solutions. Redesigned Interface for Accessibility The new Siri integrates seamlessly into the Dynamic Island, offering a "Search or Ask" feature for quick and easy access. A dedicated Siri app, designed with a conversational interface similar to iMessage, provides a centralized space for interactions. The dark-mode-only design, complemented by dynamic animations and color accents, enhances both usability and visual appeal. These updates ensure that Siri is not only functional but also intuitive and aesthetically pleasing, making it more accessible to a wider range of users. Privacy and Customization at the Core Apple continues to prioritize user privacy with on-device processing and limited data retention for Siri interactions. Users have the option to auto-delete their Siri history or disable the assistant entirely, making sure complete control over their data. Additionally, Siri now supports third-party chatbot compatibility and AI voice customization, allowing users to tailor the assistant to their preferences. These features underscore Apple's commitment to providing a secure and personalized experience, making sure that Siri remains a trusted and reliable tool. Collaboration with Google for Enhanced AI In a strategic move, Apple has partnered with Google to integrate its Gemini models and cloud technology into Siri's foundation. This collaboration enhances Siri's ability to process complex queries and deliver more accurate results. By using Google's AI expertise, Apple ensures that Siri remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital assistant market. This partnership highlights Apple's dedication to innovation and its willingness to collaborate with industry leaders to deliver the best possible experience for users. Device Compatibility and Release Timeline The advanced features of Siri in iOS 27 are expected to be available only on newer devices, such as the iPhone 15 Pro or later models, due to hardware requirements. Apple plans to preview the update at WWDC on June 8, 2026, with developer betas available the same day. A public beta is anticipated in July, followed by a full release in September. This timeline ensures that users have ample opportunity to explore and adapt to the new features before the official launch. Source: MacRumors Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Why Apple's Leaked WWDC 2026 Siri iOS 27 Update Changes Everything

Apple is preparing to unveil a significant redesign of Siri, its voice assistant, at WWDC 2026. This update, expected to debut with iOS 27, represents a bold step forward in addressing long-standing criticisms of Siri's capabilities. By incorporating advanced artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced contextual understanding and deeper integration with the Apple ecosystem, the new Siri aims to compete directly with conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Positioned as a cornerstone of Apple's announcements, this redesign reflects the company's strategic focus on innovation and user-centric design. The video below from SaranByte gives us more details on Apple's plans for WWDC 2026. A Modern Chatbot-Style Interface The upcoming Siri redesign introduces a chatbot-inspired interface that emphasizes intuitive and conversational interactions. This new design is tailored to enhance usability while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Key features of the interface include: * A dark-themed design for a visually appealing and contemporary look. * Text input options alongside traditional voice commands offer greater flexibility. * Conversation history to ensure seamless continuity in interactions. * Buttons for attachments and quick actions, streamlining common tasks. Dynamic Island, a feature introduced in earlier iPhone models, will play a central role in Siri's functionality. By integrating Siri into Dynamic Island, Apple aims to provide users with a non-intrusive, efficient way to perform tasks such as setting reminders, sending messages, or retrieving information. This approach highlights Apple's commitment to blending AI capabilities seamlessly into its hardware and software ecosystem, making sure that Siri becomes a more integral part of daily workflows. Smarter AI Features for Personalized Assistance The redesigned Siri will use advanced AI technologies to deliver smarter, more personalized assistance. By analyzing user data such as calendars, locations and messages, Siri will offer tailored recommendations and execute tasks with improved accuracy. For example, when scheduling a meeting, Siri could suggest optimal times based on your availability and proximity to the meeting location. Notable advancements include: * Enhanced natural language processing, allowing Siri to understand and respond to more complex commands intuitively. * Improved automations within the Shortcuts app, allowing users to create intricate workflows through conversational input rather than manual configuration. * Conversational photo editing, where users can describe desired changes, such as removing objects or adjusting colors, and Siri will execute them accordingly. These features aim to transform Siri from a basic voice assistant into a versatile tool capable of managing both routine tasks and creative projects. By focusing on context-aware interactions, Apple seeks to make Siri an indispensable part of its ecosystem. AI-Driven Camera Enhancements The camera app will also benefit from Siri's AI-driven capabilities, introducing a dedicated Siri mode designed for advanced functionality. This mode will include: * Real-time object recognition allows Siri to identify items and provide relevant information instantly. * Reverse image searches to help users find similar products or related content online. * Natural language queries allow users to ask Siri to analyze objects or suggest related resources effortlessly. Additionally, the redesigned Siri will offer customizable controls for its camera features, catering to advanced users who seek greater flexibility. These widget-like options will allow users to tailor Siri's camera functionalities to their specific needs, enhancing both convenience and creativity. By integrating AI into the camera app, Apple aims to provide a more interactive and intelligent photography experience. Challenges on the Horizon Despite the promise of significant improvements, the redesigned Siri faces potential challenges that could impact its reception. Apple is reportedly exploring paid subscription tiers for advanced AI features, which may limit access for some users. This monetization strategy could alienate customers who expect premium capabilities to be included as part of the Apple ecosystem. Apple's track record with AI features has also been inconsistent. Previous tools, such as notification summaries and cleanup features, have faced criticism for failing to meet user expectations. To succeed, Apple must ensure that the new Siri delivers on its promises and avoids repeating past missteps. The introduction of paid tiers, in particular, will require careful communication to avoid backlash and maintain user trust. Apple's Strategic Vision The redesigned Siri represents a strategic move by Apple to strengthen its position in the competitive AI landscape. By integrating Siri more deeply into its ecosystem, Apple aims to create a seamless user experience that differentiates its products from those of competitors. To compete effectively with established platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, Apple must deliver an AI assistant that is not only robust and reliable but also intuitive and user-friendly. This update also reflects Apple's commitment to addressing user feedback and rebuilding trust. With promises from previous WWDC events still fresh in users' minds, the success of the new Siri will depend on Apple's ability to meet expectations without delays or controversies. By focusing on practical applications and user-centric design, Apple seeks to redefine how users interact with AI within its ecosystem. The Road Ahead Apple's redesigned Siri has the potential to transform the way users engage with AI across the Apple ecosystem. By emphasizing contextual understanding, natural language processing, and seamless integration, Apple aims to deliver a smarter, more intuitive assistant that enhances productivity and creativity. However, challenges such as the introduction of paid tiers and Apple's inconsistent history with AI features could pose obstacles to widespread adoption. As WWDC 2026 approaches, the spotlight will be on Apple to demonstrate that it can deliver a functional, innovative and trustworthy Siri experience. If successful, this redesign could mark a pivotal moment in Apple's journey to redefine the role of AI in everyday life. Source & Image Credit: SaranByte Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Biggest iOS 27 Features: Smarter Siri, Pro Photo Editing, Camera UI Overhaul Expected at WWDC 2026

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) later this month, giving iPhone users a first look at the company's next major software overhaul. While Apple has not officially revealed any update, reports and leaks suggest it could focus heavily on artificial intelligence, smarter software tools, and everyday usability improvements. The first developer beta is expected to arrive shortly after the keynote, with a wider rollout likely alongside the next iPhone lineup later this year.

WWDC 2026: Apple Expected to Unveil iOS 27 and Siri Upgrades

Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote is expected to showcase iOS 27, major Siri improvements, expanded AI features, and software updates across iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch as the company sharpens its artificial intelligence strategy. Apple will open its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 on June 8, with software updates and artificial intelligence features expected to dominate the event. At the developer conference scheduled for June 12, we can expect several new announcements from Apple related to iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. At the same time, Apple might announce upgrades to its intelligent assistant, Siri, and Apple Intelligence services.

Apple's new AI-powered Siri may launch as beta feature with limited access: Report

Many of the new Siri features being announced on Monday were first promised in 2024 Apple's biggest WWDC keynote in years takes place on Monday and the centrepiece is a ground-up overhaul of Siri. The assistant is being transformed from a voice command shortcut into a full AI companion capable of handling complex tasks across iOS, iPadOS and macOS. But ahead of the announcement, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported a detail that tempers expectations considerably. He claims Apple is labelling the new Siri as a "beta" and "preview" internally, which suggests it will not be presented as finished software when it ships with iOS 27 later this year. There is also a possibility of a waitlist for certain features, similar to how Apple Intelligence rolled out in 2024. The original Siri carried the same "beta" label for two years after its 2011 launch. What the new Siri can do The feature list for what new Siri can do is ambitious. Siri is becoming a full chatbot in the style of ChatGPT and Gemini, with a dedicated app that holds past conversations, syncs them across devices via iCloud and supports auto-deleting chats after 30 days, a year or indefinitely. The conversational interface looks like an iMessage thread and supports both text and voice input, as well as photo and file attachments. The assistant will live inside the Dynamic Island for voice queries, opening with a new animation when activated. Swiping down from the centre of the display will bring up a 'Search or Ask' panel, which also incorporates Siri Suggestions. This panel lets users toggle between Siri and third-party chatbots including Claude, Gemini and ChatGPT. Apple is also launching its own in-house web search product as part of Siri, competing directly with Perplexity AI, presenting results with summaries, bullet points and images rather than redirecting users to Google. A few more capabilities include handling multiple commands in a single prompt, composing emails using data pulled from a user's calendar, contacts and past messages and a 'Write with Siri' option accessible from a dedicated keyboard button. Visual Intelligence is also moving from the Camera Control button to a dedicated Siri mode within the Camera app, making it easier to scan nutrition labels and read contact information from business cards. Apple is going into WWDC knowing that what it is about to announce is not complete. Several features being unveiled on Monday were originally shown at WWDC 2024 and then repeatedly delayed. The personal context and onscreen awareness capabilities, which let Siri access a user's emails, messages and files and see what is on screen, were promised two years ago, but they are arriving only now and that too in beta form. Apple is also using a Gemini model from Google to power the new Siri and a significant portion of processing is taking place on Google's servers. For a company that has built much of its brand identity around on-device processing and user privacy, it has not explained publicly how it intends to address the gap between its privacy commitments and the reality of routing Siri queries through a competitor's infrastructure. WWDC 2026 kicks off on Monday and that's when we expect Apple to give us some answers.

iOS 27 to debut this month: 7 big features that can come to your iPhone

Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote is just days away and iOS 27 is shaping up to be the most consequential iPhone software update in years. Most of the attention around Apple this year has been on hardware, specifically the iPhone 18 series and the first foldable iPhone. But for the hundreds of millions of iPhone users who are not buying a new phone this year, iOS 27 is the story. The update is expected to finally deliver on promises Apple made at WWDC 2024, particularly around a smarter, more capable Siri and it adds a bunch of new features on top. Here are the ones we are most looking forward to. 1. A Siri that actually works like a modern AI assistant Siri is getting a ground-up redesign in iOS 27 and it has been a long time coming. Siri is expected to transform from a voice command shortcut into a full chatbot-style assistant on par with ChatGPT and Gemini. A dedicated Siri app is coming, offering a conversational interface that looks similar to iMessage with chat bubbles, support for text and voice input and the ability to browse past conversations. Swiping down from the top centre of the display in any app will bring up a new 'Search or Ask' bar in the Dynamic Island, replacing the current Spotlight Search with something considerably more capable. More meaningfully, Siri will finally have real awareness of your personal data. It will be able to search through your emails, messages, files and photos to complete tasks, which means asking Siri to find a recipe someone sent you or pull up a specific email will actually work. It will also be able to see what is on your screen and take action based on it and perform multi-step tasks across apps like an AI agent does. The secret ingredient powering all of this is Google. Apple has signed a multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini models as the foundation for its Apple Intelligence features and the new version of Siri. It is an unusual admission that Apple needed outside help to make this work, but if it results in a Siri that genuinely delivers on its potential, most users will not mind. 2. Third-party AI inside Siri Beyond Siri, iOS 27 will let rival chatbots work directly within the Siri ecosystem through a new Extensions framework. Users will be able to set Claude, Gemini or ChatGPT as their preferred assistant for different tasks, including Writing Tools and Image Playground. Apple is even letting users choose different voices for third-party AI responses, so it is clear whether Siri or another service is speaking. A dedicated Extensions section in the App Store will act as a discovery hub for these integrations. 3. Camera app Siri mode and Visual Intelligence The Camera app is getting a dedicated Siri mode sitting alongside the existing Photo, Video, Portrait and Panorama options. When active, the shutter button displays the Apple Intelligence logo and gives users direct access to Visual Intelligence without needing to route through Camera Control. Two new Visual Intelligence capabilities are particularly compelling: the ability to scan a food nutrition label and log the data directly to the Health app and the ability to read contact details from a business card and save them to Contacts instantly. Both are the kind of features that solve annoying daily friction. 4. AI photo editing in the Photos app iOS 27 adds three new editing tools to Photos: Extend, Enhance and Reframe. Extend works like generative fill in Photoshop, expanding image content beyond the original frame when you adjust the crop. Enhance applies automatic AI-driven improvements to colour and lighting. Reframe lets you shift the perspective of a spatial photo after it has been taken. It is worth noting that Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that Extend and Reframe are not yet performing reliably in testing, so they could be delayed to a later update. Enhance, at least, seems more likely to ship on day one. 5. Generated subtitles for every video iOS 27 will automatically generate subtitles for any video that does not already have captions, including personal videos, clips shared via messages and content streamed online. It runs on-device using Apple's speech recognition, so it works privately without sending audio to the cloud. It is going to be a useful feature for anyone who regularly watches videos in situations where audio is not practical, whether on public transport, in a shared space or when already listening to something else. 6. Smarter Shortcuts Shortcuts is getting natural language support, letting you tell Siri what you want a shortcut to do and have it build the automation for you. The resulting shortcut is installed and ready immediately, which removes most of the friction that has kept Shortcuts a power-user feature rather than a mainstream one. 7. Grammar checker in Writing Tools Writing Tools is getting a dedicated AI grammar checker with suggestions that slide up in a translucent menu while you type. Unlike basic spell check, it will flag grammar issues and let you accept or reject changes one by one across Mail, Messages and third-party apps. iOS 27 release date Apple will reveal iOS 27 at the WWDC 2026 keynote on 8 June, with developer betas expected the same day. A public beta should follow in mid-to-late July. The full release is expected in September, alongside the new iPhone hardware.

Apple teases WWDC 2026 with All systems glow tagline: Here is what to expect

The new tagline is believed to be a reference to a redesigned Siri experience expected to arrive with iOS 27. Apple is currently preparing to host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, which is scheduled to kick off next week. Ahead of the event, the company has shared a new teaser with the tagline "All systems glow," hinting at what could be announced during the keynote. The new tagline is believed to be a reference to a redesigned Siri experience expected to arrive with iOS 27. According to leaks, Apple may introduce a new look for Siri that uses a dark interface combined with glowing visual effects. Similar design elements are also expected to appear in a rumoured "Search or Ask" feature that could be integrated into the iPhone's Dynamic Island. Interestingly, Apple's earlier WWDC 2026 tagline, "Coming bright up," also appeared to hint at the same visual refresh. Also read: Meta AI let hackers hijack Instagram accounts: Is your data at risk? WWDC 2026 will begin with Apple's keynote on June 8 at 10 AM Pacific Time. It will be streamed live on Apple.com, the Apple TV app and YouTube. During the presentation, the company is expected to unveil its next-generation software updates, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27. One of the most anticipated announcements is a major Siri overhaul powered by Apple Intelligence. Reports suggest that the upgraded assistant will be able to better understand a user's personal context and what is happening on the screen, allowing it to provide more relevant and useful responses. Also read: OpenAI wants to build personal robots for everyone, Sam Altman starts hiring spree The company is also expected to introduce a dedicated Siri app that supports both voice and text conversations, making the assistant more similar to AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Another rumoured addition is the "Search or Ask" feature, which could allow users to quickly search for information or interact with Siri directly from the Dynamic Island.