Apple’s WWDC 2026 starts late today — it’s a software-focused event, so we don’t expect new hardware. However, Apple users will not want to miss it as there are several big changes coming to their devices. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
You can watch the WWDC livestream here. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. PT (7:00 a.m. CEST).
New, Smarter Siri
Siri may have been one of the earlier digital assistants, but it has lagged behind in terms of capabilities. That’s why it’s being completely rebooted — Apple has partnered with Nvidia and Google to rebuild it with modern LLM AI at its core.
according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who wrote a detailed report on the major revelations from this WWDC, said these top new capabilities would be:
- Siri will be able to access personal information from apps and Apple services
- It will be able to create emails using information from your messages, contacts, notes, calendar events and other sources.
- Siri will be able to use what’s on the screen as additional context
- It will be able to add events to the calendar and handle conflicting appointments
- Will be a separate app with more controls, shortcut integration
- You will be able to make complex requests that require multiple steps to complete
The new and improved Siri will take advantage of Google’s Gemini AI model. And from the sound of it, it will be Gemini running on Google’s servers instead of Apple’s. That said, other AI may also be supported, including ChatGPT and cloud. Additionally, it will have an Extensions feature that will be like a mini app store that will allow users to extend Siri’s capabilities.
The new Siri app will have AI-assisted writing tools (plus system-wide grammar checking). And there will be a new interface that combines search with commands – you’ll be able to use it to launch apps, ask questions, give commands, perform web searches (using Apple’s own web search with AI summaries). Siri apps will be available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac with iCloud-synchronized chat history. The chat bot will work with both written and verbal commands.
However, the new and improved Siri may emerge gradually. Earlier, Gurman had revealed that it would launch as a beta and that there would be a waiting list for those who want to try it early.
More AI Tools
While Siri will be the star of the show, this will be a general overhaul of Apple’s AI systems. Apple is expected to introduce the CoreAI framework that will allow app developers to provide Siri integration and support AI agents in their apps.
Additionally, Apple has created new AI-powered image editing tools. They’ll do the usual things: removing objects, improving image quality, re-framing existing photos (using depth information to change perspective) and enlarging them (“uncropping”). This can be done through natural language interface.
There’s more – Apple has reportedly worked on everything from AI wallpaper generation to automated suggestions for Zenmojis. Again, additional AI image generation services will be supported.
better performance
Apple’s new OS versions are expected to bring higher performance and longer battery life. They also promise better security and better reliability with fewer bugs.
sophisticated ui
At the last WWDC, Apple introduced a new design language that unified all of its platforms — but let’s just say that liquid glass was a controversial design. Apple is working on resolving readability issues caused by transparent glass effects.
The new UI is also expected to bring support for Apple’s first foldable, the upcoming iPhone Ultra. However, how much of it will be shown on the platform remains to be seen.
Anyway, other UI improvements include:
- customizable camera controls
- Updated keyboard and notification animations
- Undo/Redo Homescreen
- Improved search tab for media and news apps
- Support for third-party AirPlay options
- A new AirPods settings screen
- A new Find My interface
- Conditions widget for the Weather app that shows wind and precipitation on the main screen
Safari and Wallet improvements
There will be an option to add custom tickets, gift cards and entry passes in the Wallet app. It will also help you split the bill among multiple people (this will work through messages too).
Safari is getting a new start page that streamlines access to your bookmarks, favorites, reading list, and browsing history. It will also use AI to help you organize your tabs and group them by category.
watchOS 27
Apple Watch’s new OS will feature an updated modular watch face with complications that will display your heart rate monitoring status and fitness tracking. It will also have AI-powered health features and camera-based workout monitoring.