It's time for the biggest event in Apple's calendar, WWDC – lovingly referred to as 'Dub Dub' by many, not the full 'Worldwide Developers' Conference' acronym breakdown – and 2026 could arguably be the biggest for a long, long time.
Why? Because Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, is passing over the reins to John Ternus, currently SVP Hardware Engineering at the company. It's a pivotal leadership change – but a deeper one, as it marks a time of reflection on Apple's past and how it'll change into the future.
We knew WWDC 2026's date back in March of this year, when Apple officially put out the invitation, and then expected it to be a major reveal for iOS 27 – something that's further leaked in recent times. But there'll be more, too, with Siri – Apple's voice control assistant – expected to get a major overhaul and become a true Agentic AI agent.
The show will begin at 18:00 today (Monday 8 June) in the UK – that's 13:00 EDT, 10:00 PDT (the local time zone at Apple's Cupertino headquarters) – and you can check out the live feed below. We'll also be breaking down all the goings on with frequent updates in this very live blog.
Watch WWDC 2026 live right here
The biggest WWDC 2026 headlines so far
- Huge iOS 27 leaks – your iPhone is about to get a bunch of new tricks, including Siri-powered photos
- Apple's Image Playground could soon do more – as Apple Intelligence set for a welcome overhaul
- Apple TV gets a fresh update, but the best is yet to come – here's what to expect
What's Cookin'?
While the big news is inevitably going to be about new iOS 27 and MacOS software innovations, it's impossible to ignore that Tim Cook will be passing the baton to John Ternus – officially from this coming September.
That gives WWDC 2026 more of a 'people story' aspect than others in its recent past, with both Cook and Ternus expected to present – along with many other Apple executives in their respective roles.
It's the end of one era and the beginning of another – which means significant software announcements are a must to kick-off Ternus' leadership with a bang.
Return of the Mac
While the expectation is for lots of iOS 27 updates for the incoming iPhone 18 Ultra launch in September, don't expect any hardware reveals today.
However, 2026 has been a massive year for Apple's MacBook line-up, with the MacBook Neo shaking up the proposition entirely this year.
That's a good reason for the foundations of MacOS to get a further shake-up, therefore, with WWDC 2026 the obvious platform for such reveals.
What exactly could we expect? Rumours suggest that the Mac could get a Liquid Glass-style overhaul, for starters, tying it in with the Apple ecosystem even closer.
Apple TV surprise?
As reported last month, following Apple's update of its tvOS, there are ongoing rumours that a new Apple TV 4K box could be coming.
Could this mark a rare hardware reveal of sorts at WWDC 2026? Chances are that'll get too distracting for the core audience, when the key push will be for iOS 27 developments.
Nonetheless, the expected Siri enhancements – that true Agentic AI agency is incoming for Apple – will also affect the way you can control Apple TV.
Quiz time!
Tim's late-night post
A 3am Twitter post from Apple's CEO! Well, what's that all about? Don't worry, it's nothing untoward. Just WWDC 2026 student winners hanging out at Apple Park in the lovely sunshine.
Always amazing to kick off #WWDC26 with our student developers! Congrats to our Swift Student Challenge Distinguished winners! pic.twitter.com/RNQ727BMhZJune 8, 2026
"Coming bright up"
With just over four hours to go until WWDC kicks off proper, let's take a look back at the official event reveal – and its "Coming bright up" tag line.
It's widely thought that this play on words – 'coming right up' – will refer to second-generation Siri. An "All systems glow" alternative is what's used on Apple's Developer Portal instead, both using brightness and glowing in their language. Quite the tease!
How will this apply to Siri? It's thought that the AI Agent will live always-on in your iPhone's Dynamic Island, ready on your command, revealing in a new bright/glowing interface for interactions.
As voice will be a large part of 'Siri 2.0' – perhaps it'll be called something even grander, we'll have to wait and see – this glowing visual reference will be an ideal cue that Siri is active, ready for interaction.
Just a touch
Much as Siri 2.0's voice interaction will be the big sell of WWDC 2026, we're all used to using our iPhones with our hands. Touch-based control is a staple for iOS 27.
But it hasn't been for Mac. Ever. There's long been rumours about that changing, but at this Dub Dub there's wider expectation than ever that macOS will actually bring an update to cater for touch-screen MacBooks.
That's centred around speculation of a MacBook Ultra, rumoured to be launching towards the end of this year, with an OLED panel for the first time. And, supposedly, a touchscreen too.
That would be a huge step-change for Apple's laptop line. It's not a 100% confirmation yet, of course, and there are plenty who wouldn't want touch to be added – given the iPad's position as that go-between product.
iDroid?
So where is the Siri 2.0 intelligence coming from? Well, after Apple Intelligence didn't quite hit the mark after its iOS 18 beginnings (that being the old naming format – it was released in 2024), Google has stepped in to assist.
Google Cloud's CEO, Thomas Kurian, said earlier this year: "We’re collaborating with Apple as their preferred cloud provider to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models based on Gemini technology."
But this isn't 'Google Gemini for iPhone'. It's Apple utilising Google's AI expertise to apply to its own models and systems, in order to make for "a more personalised Siri". It's long been known that Apple had turned to Google to develop new Foundation Models, which are the backbone behind Apple Intelligence.
What these AI advances could mean
So we've got Google providing some expertise to make Apple Intelligence truly, y'know, intelligent – with Siri 2.0 being at the forefront of that upgrade.
But what else could this actually mean? Expect to be able to do much more! Apple's Image Playground is one aspect likely to take benefit. This AI-image-generation tool is fun, but it's fixed to a given Genmoji style.
Google's Gemini Omni (formerly Veo 3) can already create much more realistic AI results, or produce a wide variety. So you can expect Genmoji and Image Playground to deliver far more options.
Siri, meet Claude. Claude, be nice to ChatGPT.
Rumour has it that Siri 2.0 won't be a closed book either. While Apple already permits you to pass queries through ChatGPT, if Siri is going to be truly agentic – i.e. acting like an agent, so pooling from multiple sources to create actions – that's expected to expand to also include Claude.
This isn't a major surprise. Other phone-makers already do similar – Samsung's Galaxy AI utilises Google Gemini as its core model, but you can also use Perplexity (in addition to Samsung's own Bixby – not that anyone really does).
While this will enable Siri 2.0 to be more intelligent, due to its potential pool of resources, Apple does run the risk of isolating some users if there are simply too many pay-for additional options. Claude is free to use at its most basic, but there is a ceiling to volume of queries – bypassed by paying for a Pro membership.
The waiting game...
But, here's a thought: while Siri 2.0 is likely to roll out with iOS 27 beta ahead of the full software launch – anticipated to be in September, along with the new iPhone 18 models – it might not be available in every region from day one.
The UK, for example, is typically at least six months behind Google's and Apple's software rollouts. It's because US English is signed off – often alongside Korean – for launch date, with other languages/regions having extended waits for approval.
So all the fancy new tricks that Siri 2.0 will be shown to offer during WWDC might not be immediately available everywhere. At least you'll get a taste of what's to come, though, and just how much better your next iPhone might behave.
Do you need to upgrade?
There's a big question. Will Siri 2.0 be coming to all iPhone models? Short answer: no.
That's because there's not endless software support and some older hardware doesn't have the goods to deliver at the level required – despite some AI being performed off device, in the cloud.
The iPhone X series, for example, didn't get iOS 26. Granted, that device is approaching nine years old. But even more recent handsets, such as the iPhone 15, wasn't compatible with Apple Intelligence – only the Pro and Pro Max models were for that generation.
Chances are, however, that those with an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model – and any model in those ranges – will get full iOS 27 support with Apple Intelligence and Siri 2.0, no features missing.
Hello and Good Morning Apple
Good afternoon, it's Mat Gallagher here, taking over the live blog, ahead of the big event. It's just gone 3:30pm here in the UK which means it's 7:30am in Cupertino, where WWDC will be taking place. We've already had early posts from Tim Cook, including this Good Morning post featuring a number of Apple TV stars.
pic.twitter.com/iVv4DEkaz8June 8, 2026
Clues in the code
While it's highly likely we won't hear any details of new hardware in today's WWDC keynote, there could be clues in some of the new features of what's to come. Could we see more touchscreen friendly operation for Mac OS, suggesting a touchscreen Mac is around the corner? Could we see bigger screen dynamics for iOS that could be the groundwork for the iPhone Fold?
Seeing is believing
One interesting area will be Apple's Vision OS and smart glasses development. The Vision Pro is believed to have now been retired but it is likely to still gain updates in this round. Could those updates also make way for a smaller screen smart glasses display, like the Android XR system?
I don't suspect we will hear anything specifically about Apple's smart glasses plans today, but Vision OS developments could be telling.
What about the iPhone Fold?
Hardware's a no-no at this WWDC right? That's likely to be the case. But there's still a question mark over the iPhone Fold.
Not it actually being revealed – perhaps that'll happen as an 'and another thing' moment in September – but any alluding to its presence through iOS 27 feature updates.
If we start seeing new ways to share between apps, any notion of split-screen, and so forth, then could provide some early clues.
There is, of course, a chance that we're still way away from a folding iPhone launch actually happening – it might all be a pipe dream.
After all, the Apple Car was shelved. Well, kinda. That Ferrari Luce sure does look kinda suspect...
1 hour to go
Tick tock, it's almost Dub Dub o'clock. One hour until the show officially kicks off. Apple hasn't started to play tunes on repeat on its official WWDC 2026 live stream YouTube video just yet, mind – but it can only be a matter of time!
How will 'Super Siri' work?
For all the talk of an upgraded Siri, however, how is that functionality going to be integrated?
The likelihood is that, just like with Google Gemini and other AI systems, it will have a dedicated Siri app as part of iOS 27.
In here you'll be able to view your history of queries and responses, while accessing settings to enable or disable various features.
Siri is likely to be an always-on option, if you provide permissions, living in the Dynamic Island and ready to roll upon your request. Outside of iPhone, however, cross-device handover will surely be a significant aspect of the delivery.
Siri 2.0 ought to have cross-app accessibility with other Apple apps and, if Apple has done the necessary groundwork – and it's had over two years to do so – then third-party tie-ins could be the big upsell that Google's Android system hasn't quite nailed yet.
With Siri semi-contained through an app, you'll be able to monitor your history – but also disable the system as and when you please, hopefully with an app-by-app based control.
Looking back to look forward...
It's worth harking back to 12 months ago and WWDC 2025 for a moment, though. How will that affect what WWDC 2026 will deliver?
There's a typical theme at Dub Dub. Without a doubt it's software focused. And last year the keynote was used to talk about the following topics:
- Apple confirms iOS 26 with huge updates and major new features
- Your iPhone will look very different after Apple's Liquid Glass update
- Apple's new Mac software brings iOS 26 benefits – and adds one thing
- Apple's AirPods to get a useful new upgrade – although not all models
- Apple just gave your workouts a personal AI coach on the Apple Watch
- Apple takes gaming seriously at last – separate Games app coming to iOS 26
Liquid Glass was the major design change and biggest takeaway from last year's event. With that now well-established, however, it gives room for more Siri at WWDC 2026.
But history does repeat – and WWDC is a time to reflect on all of Apple's platforms. So let's not forget about watchOS, as new features are likely be appear there too – likely with a Siri angle.
We'll be back
Well, well, well, Apple's beta.apple.com page has been taken offline ahead of WWDC kicking off.
"We'll be back. We're busy updating the Apple Beta Software Program website and will be back soon" reads the page.
That'll be where iOS 27 beta with Siri show their faces, then, you can bet your bottom dollar.
What's in a name?
There's a lot of chat about what macOS 27 might be called. Long-running rumours that it would be 'Big Bear' aren't convincing everyone – including Apple insider, Mark Gurman, of Bloomberg.
So what'll it be? Here are some of the most likely options, with Emerald [Lake] becoming a late front-runner.
I don’t think it’s the rumored Big Bear, Redwood or Tiburon. https://t.co/0ZzD3SfRdaJune 8, 2026
And we're off!
Strap in everyone, as it is time. WWDC 2026 is go – sorry, "glow time".
Golden Gate
Tim opens that the "latest advancements in Apple Intelligence and Siri," are key for WWDC 2026. Setting the stage for Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering.
And now everything's got really kinda trippy. But here's the answer to that earlier query – the next macOS will be Golden Gate. Not Emerald. Not Big Bear. Quite the unexpected result, that!
Liquid Glass personalisation
Liquid Glass was the big development for 2025, so what's next? It's all about refinement.
"Now, we're making some additional refinements. Starting with the foundations of how Liquid Glass is built."
A new slider in settings allows you to adjust how translucent Liquid Glass windows are – from completely clear to fully clouded.
App icons now have "additional layer of Liquid Glass" to add more character to apps – whether in your Dock, on your iPad or iPhone.
System animations are also smoother. A lot of things are now faster, too. iPhone and iPad apps can launch up to 30% faster – as the team found a way to pre-load data so they're ready to go. Photos appear much quicker in your camera roll, too.
iOS 27 backwards compatibility
An updated CPU scheduler "ensures the right work is executed at precisely the right time". But it's also been possible to bring enhancements to older iPhone models – all the way back to iPhone 11.
That means iOS 27 will come to iPhone models that launched in 2019 onwards. That's seven years of previous launches, which is impressive.
Search gets a much-needed update
Search across iPhone, iPad and Mac also gets improved across Spotlight, Photos and Mail.
Apple has re-architected the search index, so it knows you have and where to find it. This new infrastructure "has a complete picture of what's already there".
Child Accounts
Powerful parental controls are the next step of Apple's focus. With a Child Account, controls are there to handle what content kids can see.
"Start focused and add more over time" is the message – with the ability to take control over which apps they wish to add.
Screen Time evolves into Time Allowances – with Entertainment, Games and Social Media divided so that parents can allocate time per category. It's also possible to limit when such categories are available – being blocked during school time, for example.
Apple Intelligence – "big step forward"
"More personal and more useful" is the message for the updated Apple Intelligence.
This uses a new architecture, unlocks an entirely new Siri, and makes your apps smarter and more useful.
That's thanks to the relationship with Google Gemini, bringing many familiar features to Apple that have lacked.
From powerful image understanding and generation – so you can edit photos like never before – to even more powerful on-device speech.
Siri just got serious
"A profoundly more capable assistant."
Siri finally gets the update it has needed – and that was promised years ago.
The latest Apple Intelligence integration means Siri can do far more.
It possesses on-screen awareness – so can tailor its effectiveness depending on what you're doing in which app.
With broad world knowledge, Apple Intelligence can go to the web to then use private cloud compute to research an answer – all delivered via Siri.
Greater contextual understanding thanks to system-wide cross-over also means Siri can use your Photos, Contacts, Maps and more to thread together more personalised responses.
Siri also has a new voice – sounding a little more human – with customisation of pace and expressivity to match your preferences.
iPhone users can swipe down from Dynamic Island to activate, or you can use the side button to activate instead of voice – if you prefer.
Mac users, meanwhile, can Ctrl+click to ask Siri within an app. It's also possible to ask Siri directly in Spotlight, to create a conversation there.
Siri app
As expected: there's a new Siri app. It allows cross-device sync, too, so you can dig into your history of queries.
That means from macOS to iOS, iPadOS to watchOS, even visionOS, Siri sits across the full range of platforms.
There's also a Siri mode for the Camera app, which can prompt Visual Intelligence suggestions.
'Write with Siri' can create generative drafts, too. Be that full pieces from a prompt, or Mail suggestions based on your history.
Let's go on a Safari
Apple's browser gets updates too.
It can use Apple Intelligence to organise your tabs into topics, bringing related tabs together automatically.
Stay on top of updates you care about, without the need to constantly refresh. That's thanks to the addition of Notify Me, which automatically monitors your important pages for changes – be that concert tickets, re-stocking or similar.
Home gets a boost too
The Home app banishes multiple notifications – instead opting to update a notification as to not barrage you with excesses.
There's an update to cameras integrated into Home, too, with the ability to voice search for specific moments – such as when your kid arrives home or that parcel was delivered.
Shortcuts helps people get more done faster by automating all manner of things. By using Apple Intelligence, you can now simply describe a custom shortcut – no need to manually build one.
Image Playground
This gets an overhaul, too, as expected. No longer is image generation "cartoon only", with more powerful options at your fingertips – including photo-realistic options.
Brand new ways to modify your images are available too. Apple Intelligence can deal with multiple prompts, one step at a time, to adjust a generated image until your result is fitting to what you wanted to achieve.
Photos adds AI upgrades
Clean Up gets a big upgrade. Remove distractions with more realistic in-fills.
Extend can expand images – be that a new aspect ratio or adding extra space around a subject.
Spatial Reframing adds a suite of adjustments – available after a picture has been taken. At its core it's about reframing, but to an advanced degree – so much that you can even move a camera position to recompose a shot.
Siri AI is not for the UK... yet
While Siri AI will be available in iOS 27, that doesn't apply to Europe or China just yet. There's regulatory processes to get through – and that'll take time.
It's also worth noting that some of the more advanced iOS 27 features will only function on the most powerful current hardware.
When can you get it?
Developer beta is available today, with the public beta coming "next month". The public full release will be "this fall" – in sync with the expected iPhone 18 launch.
Tim Cook, signing off
No John Ternus to be seen anywhere for this presentation, then, as was largely expected. However, he was posing with many WWDC attendees yesterday, so is very involved.
But Tim Cook signed off in heartfelt fashion, quipping it had been the "honour of a lifetime" to work with his teams.
And that, each and everyone, is WWDC 2026 over and out.
