WWDC 2026: Everything announced on Siri AI, iOS 27, Apple Intelligence, and more

The highly anticipated WWDC 2026 kicked off at Apple Park, showcasing a flurry of announcements surrounding Siri AI, iOS 27, and various enhancements aimed at reclaiming Apple's position in the competitive AI landscape. This event also marks a significant transition as CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down, passing the reins to Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, John Ternus, starting September 1. In a bid to address user frustrations, Apple focused on improvements over new features, signaling a shift in their development strategy. The company acknowledged the rising expectations for Siri, introducing a revamped version of the AI assistant that promises to be more capable and conversational, thanks to integration with Google’s Gemini technology. The updated Siri will also be available as a standalone app, further enhancing its accessibility. Privacy remained a cornerstone of Apple's AI strategy, with Senior Vice President Craig Federighi emphasizing that users' data will only be utilized to fulfill specific requests, underlining the company's commitment to user trust. Although there were no major groundbreaking revelations during the keynote, a developer uncovered hints of foldable device support within the iOS 27 beta, igniting speculation about future iPhone designs. In addition to Siri improvements, Apple introduced a range of updates to its applications, including Safari’s tab management and enhanced AI-driven features for Messages and the Phone app. These advancements are designed to create a more seamless user experience, showcasing Apple's collaboration with Google to develop advanced Apple Foundation Models. Apple's visual aesthetic has also received attention with a new layered approach to its Liquid Glass design, allowing users to customize their interfaces. Numerous smaller updates were announced, including a renewed push for image generation capabilities within the AI app, which aims to expand its utility across various device features. The upcoming iOS 27 is set to be the most inclusive update yet, as it will be available for all devices from the iPhone 11 onward. Alongside significant performance enhancements, Apple claims improvements in photo loading times and AirDrop functionality. Parents will also benefit from new control features, allowing them to manage their children's device usage more effectively. Enhanced search capabilities were highlighted, addressing common frustrations users face when looking for files or information. Apple is also updating its Photos app to compete with popular AI photo editing tools, introducing new features that utilize AI for image perspective adjustments and cleaning distractions. Users can expect a more sophisticated dictation experience in iOS 27, as Apple integrates advanced AI capabilities to streamline text transcription. For the first time, developers can bundle subscriptions for a lower price, enhancing the App Store's appeal. Personalized app recommendations will further improve user experience, making it easier to discover new applications tailored to individual preferences. The Health app will now include support for perimenopause and menopause, tapping into a growing market for digital health tools. As the keynote concluded, Tim Cook reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead Apple towards its mission of enhancing people's lives through innovative technology. For those who missed the event, a recording is available on Apple’s YouTube channel.