Apple kicked off WWDC26 today with a sweeping set of software announcements, unveiling the next generation of Apple Intelligence and introducing Siri AI, a completely rebuilt version of Siri that officially keeps up with the likes of contemporary AI assistants like Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Alongside that, the announcements span iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and tvOS 27, which are expected to be released later this year – most likely in September, if previous releases are any indication.
Siri AI Is An “Entirely New” Assistant
The headline feature of WWDC26 is Siri AI, which Apple describes as an “entirely new version of Siri.” It is more intelligent than its namesake predecessor, with contextual awareness, deeper knowledge, stronger reasoning, and a more natural conversational style. A dedicated Siri app is available as part of this overhaul, and users can sync conversations through iCloud to continue where they left off in another device, or simply start a new conversation from there.
Siri AI is coming to all of Apple’s version 27 operating systems (except tvOS which it doesn’t need one), though users in the European Union will face a delay specifically on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. Apple blamed the region’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) for this, as regulatory requirements mandated “gatekeepers”, in this case iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 responsible for smartphone and tablet categories, to open up its features to be universally compatible towards competing products. Apple argued this violates users’ privacy as sensitive data must be shared to competing AI assistants, and proposals to remediate such has been rejected by the bloc up until this point.
New Apple Intelligence Updates
Apple has also introduced the next generation of Apple Intelligence across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27, built on updated Apple Foundation Models developed in collaboration with Google’s Gemini models. The system uses on-device processing and, if necessary, taps into Private Cloud Compute – which Apple says the personal data of which is not stored or accessible to itself or third parties during server-side processing.
Starting with the Photos app, it now gains three new editing tools (Spatial Reframing, Extend, and Clean Up), while Image Playground adds a photorealistic generation style powered by a new model running on Private Cloud Compute. Users can modify generated images by description or by tapping and brushing objects to move or resize them. As usual, any AI-edited photos will come with embedded SynthID watermark for verification purposes.
As for Safari, it’s now capable of automatic tab organization by topic, plus a Notify Me feature that monitors web pages for changes (such as restocks or price drops), and Describe an Extension, which taps into AI to generate custom browser extensions from a text description. The Passwords app, meanwhile, gains the ability to automatically navigate websites and update weak or compromised passwords on the user’s behalf.
Messages gains one-tap action suggestions based on conversation context, including the ability to find relevant photos from a user’s library using keywords, locations, and people. Mail suggestions can now trigger actions in third-party apps, and Smart Reply in both Mail and Messages is capable of mimicking the user’s writing style. A new Call Context feature surfaces relevant information (such as confirmation codes from Mail) in the Phone app when calling a business, running entirely on-device.
Calendar can now create or modify events from a text description, identifying contacts, locations, and event titles automatically, while Shortcuts gains a Describe a Shortcut feature that assembles IFTTT-style automation steps from a plain-language description and accepts follow-up edits the same way. As for the Home app, it now consolidates related accessory notifications into a single updating alert, and HomeKit Secure Video cameras gain AI-generated descriptions of video clip sequences, clip search by content, and surfacing of notable footage at the top of the search page.
Accessibility updates include richer image descriptions and Live Recognition improvements in VoiceOver, expanded on-screen element description in Voice Control (available in English in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia), and broader source material support in Accessibility Reader. Workout Buddy adds Spanish language support and can now run on Apple Watch without a nearby iPhone. Finally, Genmoji gains description-based editing for those looking to generate new emojis via generative AI.
New Child Safety and Parental Controls
Apple has previewed a suite of child safety features set to arrive with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 this fall. The updates include a redesigned Screen Time, Ask to Browse (requiring parental approval before a child visits a new website in Safari), and Time Allowances for managing app usage across categories such as games, entertainment, and social media. A child account is required for users under 16 and available for those up to 18.
The Communication Safety feature – previously limited to blurring nudity in Messages and FaceTime – will expand to block gore and violent content in shared images and videos for users under 18. Parents will also be able to set daily schedules to restrict app access during specific times, such as school hours or mealtimes, and extend access on demand. Apple also launched a new dedicated website for parents to learn more about such features.
On the developer side, Apple is providing tools including SensitiveContentAnalysis, PermissionKit, and the Declared Age Range API to help app developers deliver age-appropriate in-app experiences without accessing a child’s full date of birth. For certain regions (to be available globally later), Apple also provides user reporting tools where users can report harmful content directly to Cupertino.
Operating System Improvements
Apple’s 2026 software updates introduce performance improvements across its device lineup, with app launch speeds on iPhone and iPad up to 30% faster, photo loading up to 70% faster after capture, and AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster. File browsing between external drives and iPad is up to 5x faster, matching Finder on Mac, while Search has been rebuilt in Spotlight, Photos, and Mail, with Mail also receiving a new relevance ranking system for Top Hits.
On the design side, a new slider in Settings allows users to adjust the appearance of Liquid Glass from transparent to tinted. Mac receives updates restoring a uniform toolbar, edge-to-edge sidebars, and coloured sidebar icons. App icons across platforms have been updated for sharper definition.
Additional changes include: iCloud Shared Albums gaining cross-platform photo sharing with full-resolution support, and the Health app adding perimenopause and menopause tracking within Cycle Tracking. Apple Watch gains a dynamic app grid with five Siri-suggested app icons, a tap gesture to open Smart Stack widgets, and a consolidated Find My app.
AirPods users gain custom EQ settings (finally), while AirPods Pro 3 adds heart rate sync via iPhone through expanded GymKit support. Apple Vision Pro gains the ability to convert panoramas into spatial Environments, alongside up to 3x faster Wi-Fi connection speeds; meanwhile, Apple Maps receives an updated Flyover feature combining aerial imagery with AI for more detailed visuals.
App Store Expansion for Developers
For App Store, developers will be able to add Creative Assets (rich images and videos) to product page headers and search results; a new Asset Library in App Store Connect consolidates all creative materials in one location, allowing assets to be reused across campaigns and submitted for review independently of app updates.
On the discovery side, the App Store is introducing Personalised Collections and App Notes, which surface tailored app recommendations on the Apps, Games, and Search tabs based on user activity. These features began rolling out in English in the United States this week, with additional languages and regions to follow. Game developers can also use Featuring Nominations to propose in-game offers or limited-time discounts to the App Store editorial team.
New subscription options built on StoreKit 2 will allow developers to offer multi-user in-app purchases through two models. Available this fall, Volume Purchasing enables enterprise and education buyers to procure subscriptions through Apple Business Manager and Apple School Manager, whereas Group Purchases, coming this winter, let individual subscribers buy and distribute seats to others via Apple-managed invitations.
App Store Bundles will allow developers from different companies to offer combined subscriptions at a reduced price. Developers can also create Suites (subscription packages not sold separately) and use Retention Messaging tools to engage subscribers during the cancellation process with tailored offers or communications.
Pokdepinion: We shall see if Siri AI will improve the not-go-great reputation of its namesake predecessor.
