Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 kicks off later today. This software-centric event is anticipated to unveil several significant enhancements for Apple devices, although new hardware is not expected. Here’s a detailed overview of what to anticipate.
You can stream the WWDC live here. The event is set to begin at 10:00 AM PT (7:00 PM CEST).
Revamped Siri
Once a pioneer among digital assistants, Siri has lagged in functionality. To address this, Apple is launching a complete overhaul, collaborating with Nvidia and Google to integrate modern large language model (LLM) AI into its core.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the new Siri will feature several noteworthy enhancements:
- Access to personal data from various apps and Apple services
- Capability to compose emails utilizing data from messages, contacts, and calendar events
- Use of on-screen content as contextual information
- Ability to add calendar events and resolve scheduling conflicts
- A dedicated app offering more controls and Shortcut integration
- Support for complex multi-step requests
The upgraded Siri will leverage Google’s Gemini AI model, likely operating on Google’s servers rather than Apple’s. Furthermore, other AIs, such as ChatGPT and Claude, might be supported, alongside an Extensions feature akin to a mini app store for expanding Siri’s capabilities.
The new Siri app will include AI-assisted writing tools and system-wide grammar checking. It will also introduce a fresh interface that blends search with commands, enabling users to launch apps, ask questions, issue commands, and conduct web searches using Apple’s search engine, accompanied by AI-generated summaries. Siri applications will be available for iPhones, iPads, and Macs with synchronized chat histories across devices. The chatbot will respond to both voice and text commands.
This improved version of Siri may debut as a beta with a waitlist for early access seekers, as noted in earlier reports.
Expanded AI Functionality
While Siri will take center stage, WWDC 2026 aims for a comprehensive upgrade of Apple’s AI systems. The introduction of the CoreAI framework will empower app developers to integrate Siri into their applications and support AI agents.
Additionally, Apple is rolling out new AI-powered image editing tools. These will enable object removal, enhancement of image quality, reframing of photos using depth data, and image expansion (i.e., “uncropping”). Users may interact with these tools through a natural language interface.
Furthermore, Apple is reportedly developing a variety of features, from AI-generated wallpapers to automatic suggestions for Genmojis. Support for additional AI image generation services is also anticipated.
Performance Enhancements
The upcoming OS versions are expected to deliver improved performance, extended battery life, enhanced security, and increased reliability with fewer bugs.
Refined User Interface
Last year at WWDC, Apple introduced a new design language that aimed at unifying its platforms, though the Liquid Glass visual received mixed reviews. Apple has since addressed readability issues related to the transparent glass effects.
A new UI design is also expected to accommodate Apple’s first foldable device, the forthcoming iPhone Ultra, although the extent of its presentation remains uncertain.
Other anticipated UI improvements include:
- Customizable camera controls
- Updated animations for keyboards and notifications
- Undo/redo functionality on the home screen
- Enhanced search tabs for media and news applications
- Support for third-party alternatives to AirPlay
- A new settings screen for AirPods
- An updated 'Find My' interface
- A weather app widget that displays wind and rainfall conditions prominently
Enhancements to Safari and Wallet
The Wallet app will now allow users to add custom tickets, gift cards, and entry passes while enabling bill-splitting among multiple users via Messages.
Safari will introduce a revamped start page for streamlined access to bookmarks, favorites, reading lists, and browsing history, utilizing AI to help organize tabs into categories.
watchOS 27
The latest OS for Apple Watches will feature an updated Modular watch face with complications for heart rate tracking and fitness monitoring. Additionally, AI-driven health features and camera-based workout tracking are on the agenda.
Source (paywall) | Via
