Key facts
- Apple announced significant updates to Siri AI, iOS 27, and Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2026.
- The new Siri will be more conversational and visually intelligent, powered in part by Google Gemini.
- Privacy is a core focus, with Apple stating AI data usage is strictly for request execution.
- iOS 27 will support devices from iPhone 11 onwards, featuring performance enhancements and new AI tools.
- New AI editing features are coming to the Photos app, including 'Reframe' and 'Extend'.
- The App Store will introduce bundled subscription options for developers.
Apple's WWDC 2026 event focused on catching up in the AI race and addressing user frustrations with its software. CEO Tim Cook announced his departure, handing over to John Ternus.
The company unveiled a significantly upgraded Siri AI, integrating Google Gemini for more conversational and visually intelligent interactions. Siri will be available as a stand-alone app and within existing applications. Apple emphasized its privacy-first approach, assuring that AI data is used solely for request execution and is verifiable by external experts.
New Apple Intelligence features across apps include improved tab management in Safari, one-tap password updates, and enhanced cross-app context awareness. The Messages app will offer AI-powered reply suggestions, and the Phone app will leverage context from Mail and Messages during calls. Apple collaborated with Google's Gemini models for its new foundation models.
iOS 27 will be available on devices from the iPhone 11 onward, promising performance boosts such as 70% faster photo display and 80% faster AirDrop transfers. The update also includes new AI editing tools for the Photos app, like 'Reframe' and 'Extend,' and an upgraded 'Cleanup' tool. A new systemwide dictation feature will offer real-time correction of spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Other iOS 27 updates include full-screen homepage widgets, separate volume controls for alerts, and design tweaks for the Weather app. The Image Playground app received a renewed push with performance updates. The App Store will introduce bundled subscription options for developers, and enhanced parental controls will offer more granular device management for children.
Hints of a potential foldable iPhone were discovered within the iOS 27 developer beta, with references to 'foldState' and 'angleDegrees.' The search functionality across Spotlight, Photos, and Mail has been rebuilt to address user frustrations.