Following Google I/O and Microsoft Build, last week it was Apple’s turn to show developers what’s coming up for its platforms. The company’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) kicked off on June 8, with CEO Tim Cook and other Apple execs taking the stage in Cupertino.
As PCMag reports, the big question was whether Apple had made any significant progress on AI. That’s still up for debate until we get our hands on Siri AI, which Apple previewed during its keynote. Apple’s AI assistant has struggled, while rivals like Google and OpenAI have steamrolled Apple on the AI front. In January, Apple even partnered with Google to power future Apple Intelligence features.
Below are what the experts are saying were the biggest announcements to come out of this year’s event.
Siri AI Overhaul
Apple unveiled Siri AI, a complete rebuild of its voice assistant powered by Apple Foundation Models and Google Gemini technology. Siri AI can hold conversational, multi-step interactions, access personal context from emails, messages, and photos, and perform actions across apps. A dedicated Siri app allows users to revisit past conversations, and responses can appear in the Dynamic Island on iPhone or via Spotlight on Mac. Siri AI will initially launch in English, with EU and China availability delayed due to regulatory requirements.
iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
iOS 27 brings major performance improvements: apps launch up to 30% faster, photos load up to 70% faster, and AirDrop transfers are up to 80% quicker. The update refines the Liquid Glass interface with a transparency slider and improved sidebars. New Apple Intelligence features include AI-powered photo editing (Spatial Reframing, Extend, Clean Up), smarter Safari tab management, and AI-generated Shortcuts. Parental controls are expanded with Ask to Browse, time allowances, and enhanced Communication Safety.
macOS Golden Gate
The new macOS 27 Golden Gate supports only Apple Silicon Macs and integrates Siri AI into Spotlight. Visual Intelligence allows users to interact with on-screen content, while search performance and automation tools are improved. The update also refines Liquid Glass, adds a transparency slider, and enhances window and sidebar consistency.
watchOS 27 and visionOS 27
watchOS 27 introduces Siri AI, a dynamic app grid, gesture controls, and improved health tracking. However, support is dropped for older Apple Watch models, including Series 6–8 and the original Ultra. visionOS 27 adds AI-powered spatial computing features, with a floating Siri orb for contextual interactions.
Apple Intelligence and Developer Tools
Apple expanded Apple Intelligence across apps like Safari, Messages, Home, and Passwords, enabling AI tab organization, smart replies, and automated password updates. Xcode 27 introduces agentic coding, allowing AI agents to write and test code autonomously, with Core AI for on-device model execution. The App Store now supports group subscriptions, developer bundles, and personalized collections.
Other Highlights
- AirPods: Custom EQ for personalized audio.
- Wallet: Bill splitting, loyalty card scanning, and enhanced hotel/resort key features.
- Photos: AI-powered editing with SynthID watermarking.
- Maps: AI-enhanced Flyover and Local Lists.
- Health: Menopause and perimenopause tracking.
- Parental Controls: Child accounts mandatory under 13, optional up to 18, with app, website, and communication management.
- WWDC 2026 also marked Tim Cook’s final keynote as CEO, emphasizing Apple’s AI strategy and software ecosystem improvements across six operating systems.
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