Apple kicked off WWDC 2026 today with a software-only keynote. The big story is a completely rebuilt Siri, powered by Google's Gemini models. No new hardware was announced.
The new Siri
Apple partnered with Google to bring Gemini models into Siri. The result:
- More natural, back-and-forth conversation
- Works with Visual Intelligence, so Siri can understand what is on your screen or in front of your camera
- A new standalone Siri app
"We believe privacy in AI is non-negotiable," said Craig Federighi, Apple's head of software engineering.
iOS 27 highlights
- Supports iPhone 11 and later
- 70% faster photo loading and 80% faster AirDrop
- AI-powered reply suggestions in Messages
- The Phone app can pull context from Mail and Messages during calls
- Rebuilt Search across Spotlight, Photos, and Mail
- Smarter Dictation that fixes spelling, punctuation, and capitalization
- New parental controls with Ask to Browse and Ask to Buy on by default for kids under 13
Apple Intelligence updates
- Photos: new AI Reframe and Extend tools, plus a better Cleanup
- Shortcuts: build automations by describing them in plain English
- Safari: AI tab management and one-tap password updates
Every OS gets version 27
Apple announced iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27, and macOS 27 "Golden Gate."
A leadership moment
This was Tim Cook's final WWDC keynote as CEO. Hardware chief John Ternus takes over as CEO on September 1, with Cook moving to executive chairman.
When you can get it
Developer betas are available now. The public release of iOS 27 is expected this fall alongside new iPhones.
Sources: TechCrunch, MacRumors, Engadget
