Just like that, WWDC 2026 has come and gone with big announcements around Siri AI, Apple Intelligence features, Parental Controls, and visual tweaks to Liquid Glass across all platforms.
The highlight of the show was the new version of Siri that lives across all of its platforms to perform complex actions. From being able to know what you're looking at on your phone, to automating tasks across different apps, Siri AI is the biggest update to the assistant ever since the rollout of Siri over a decade ago.
At the same time, the company ensured that Apple Intelligence was also a critical part of its announcement. Users will have access to powerful tools, like the ability to make complex photo edits by simply describing them.
In a heart felt moment at the end, Apple CEO Tim Cook took the time to thank fans for the years of support. "I truly believe that the best is still ahead, and Apple is creating the best products in the world to deliver experiences that enrich people's lives," explained Cook.
How to rewatch WWDC 2026
Now that the event is over, you can rewatch the entire WWDC 2026 keynote in its entirety with the video above.
WWDC 2026: Biggest announcements
Apple’s iPhone software has traditionally been the cornerstone of WWDC, but this year's event really dove deeper with Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. The two were the most talked out things at the event, but there were still other notable mentions. Here's all the biggest announcements from WWDC 2026:
- Siri AI: Apple's assistant got its biggest update with Siri AI, rebuilt with a deep, system-wide understanding of personal context and on-screen awareness.
- Apple Intelligence: Apple expanded Apple Intelligence features that cover everything for generative features with photo editing, to the Home app delivering smarter notifications about security camera alerts.
- iOS 27: Apple officially unveiled iOS 27 at WWDC 2026, delivering changes like speed optimizations alongside highly requested refinements and a personalization slider for Liquid Glass.
- macOS 27 Golden Gate: This OS update officially appears to indicate the end of the Intel era, but is more future-focused thanks to better AI and smoother performance.
- Parental Controls: If you have kids that use Apple devices, then you'll have control with how they use them thanks to deeper parental controls such as the ability to choose what apps they use and websites they can visit.
- iPadOS 27: Sharing many of the same new features as other software updates, like deep Siri AI integration, Apple Intelligence, and Parental Controls, iPadOS 27 also gains Liquid Glass improvements.
- visionOS 27: Likewise, there wasn't a whole lot new with visionOS 27, but Apple demoed off how Siri AI functions in the virtual space, redesigned Control Center, and more.
- watchOS 27: On top of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features, the Apple Watch software will receive improvements related to women's health tracking and Workout Buddy.
WWDC 2026: Live updates
WWDC 2026 is tomorrow — here's what we expect
Howdy folks! WWDC 2026 is a day away and my colleagues and I will be guiding you through all the developments leading up to the event tomorrow, including everything that actually gets announced.
Apple's operating systems have always been the focus at past developers conferences, but this year's event is especially going to center around artificial intelligence. Here's the 9 biggest announcements we expect from WWDC 2026 tomorrow.
Siri's on tap for an ultimate glow-up
After spending a solid year facing heavy criticism and missing its own deadlines, Siri is reportedly preparing for its biggest update since 2011 with the release of the iPhone 4s. Ironically enough, it was Tim Cook who introduced it to the world after taking over as Apple's CEO from Steve Jobs.
Rumors have been boiled for a good while now that Apple is finally dropping a massive overhaul for Siri, including a dedicated standalone app, true conversational chatbot capabilities, and the power to read your screen and process uploaded documents.
iOS 27 tipped for big updates for native apps
It wouldn't be a typical WWDC if Apple doesn't talk about it iPhone software. While Siri should be taking a chunk of the announcement, we can certainly expect to hear a lot about iOS 27.
Leaks point to other features beyond the new Siri and Apple Intelligence features, including updates to popular apps like the Camera, Photos, and more.
More photo editing AI features coming to your iPhone
To date, the only big AI tool that Apple has given us for photo editing has been Clean Up. While it's clearly helpful at times, it still trails the impressive performances from rivals Google and Samsung.
Well, Apple is reportedly ready to play serious catch-up with them by introducing a heavy dose of generative AI to the native Photos app in iOS 27. Specifically, the rumors hint at Apple introducing a dedicated suite of Apple Intelligence features, including Enhance, Extend, and Reframe.
These photos prove why Apple needs an AI update
Around this time last year, I put the photo removing features from Apple, Google, and Samsung to the test to see how they can use generative AI to remove unwanted elements from a photo.
If you look at the gallery above with the photo I captured of Amazon's Panos Panay at event, you'll see why Apple's in desperate need of an AI upgrade. For some reason, it couldn't properly remove those subjects and fill them in with some as realistic as its rivals.
Updates to macOS 27 and potentially clues to the possibility of touch
While Apple has spent over a decade insisting that a touchscreen laptop makes zero sense, macOS 27 might finally prepare the software for a major hardware reversal.
Rumors leading into WWDC 2026 suggest that Cupertino is quietly adapting its desktop interface with larger tap targets, optimized gesture controls, and subtle UI tweaks originally borrowed from iPadOS. Even though hardware reveals are typically rare at the annual developer showcase, this is the perfect opportunity to lay the digital foundation for a rumored touchscreen MacBook.
It's do or die for Apple Intelligence
Since I test many of the best phones, it's pretty evident that AI features now make up a huge chunk of a phone's value. When iOS 26 launched, it barely had any new Apple Intelligence features. In fact, the most meaningful one was Apple integrating Visual Intelligence with the screenshot function.
While everyone is hyper-focused on the massive Siri redesign, the real star of WWDC 2026 might be the system-wide Apple Intelligence upgrades hitting all its software platforms. From AI tools for photo editing to deeper software integration that knows you, Apple can't afford to have another lackluster showing with Apple Intelligence.
If a touchscreen MacBook is a possibility, then iPhones need this feature
If it's suggested that Apple's working on bringing touch support to macOS 27, then it also opens up the idea of another, very critical feature that I know would elevate iOS 27.
I'm referring to an iPhone desktop mode, which has long been rumored to be happening. Between Samsung DeX, Motorola’s Smart Connect, and the Pixel's increasingly capable desktop mode, Android flagships are actively turning into legitimate mobile workstations.
And if Apple wants to lay the groundwork for its rumored iPhone Fold or give professionals a reason to leave their MacBooks at home, iOS 27 absolutely needs to unlock a true, windowed desktop experience.
iPhone Fold rumors continue to grow — will it get teased?
Hardware reveals have been a rare occurrence at Apple's developer conference over the past decade, but it's not entirely out of the question. For example, the Apple Vision Pro was introduced at WWDC 2023.
For this year's event, nothing stands out more than another long-rumored product category Apple has been expected to tackle: foldable devices. Just last week, fresh dummy units of what appears to be the iPhone Fold shared by insider Ice Universe revealed a wider, more compact, passport-like form factor.
Perhaps we'll get a teaser of it at WWDC 2026?
iPadOS 27 tipped to consolidate app designs and gain smarter sidebars
Following a massive, UI-heavy overhaul last year with Liquid Glass, iPadOS 27 is tipped to be an iterative update focused heavily on refinement and layout optimization.
Rumors suggest Apple is tweaking core system apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Apple TV to strip away messy tab layers, all while merging search functions directly into unified navigation sidebars. This subtle change is reportedly designed to better leverage the iPad’s expansive display, while quietly laying the interface groundwork for Apple's long-rumored foldable portfolio.
When can we expect to see an iPhone Fold launch?
Just weeks after early leaks pointed to a smooth transition toward trial production, Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone Fold — rumored to eventually be called "iPhone Ultra" — has reportedly hit a massive manufacturing snag.
Insiders indicate that the device is running into severe assembly and component yield issues at the pre-assembly stage. The bottleneck stems primarily from Apple's incredibly strict quality-control thresholds for the ultra-premium, rumored $2,000-plus cost for the device.
Taking that into consideration, it's tough to say if it'll launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max debuts sometime in the fall. It could even be delayed until next year.
Siri could finally be the Agentic AI I've been waiting for
As Apple prepares to pitch its massive Siri overhaul at WWDC 2026, it can finally be the AI agent that matches what I've been seeing over on Android. Earlier this spring, a Galaxy S26 software update unlocked Gemini-powered screen automation. I managed to to use it to successfully order a large Dunkin' coffee and a donut via DoorDash without the user lifting a finger.
While the automated process still takes a couple of minutes to navigate menus behind the scenes, it represents a massive change from static chatbots to proactive tools that interact with the real world. If the rumors of Siri getting its own agentic Extensions with iOS 27 are true, Apple's playing a critical catch-up to a concrete ecosystem that has been proven to be effective.
Real multitasking needs to happen with iOS 27 — here's why
Do you see that gif animation above? That's Open Canvas in action with the OnePlus Open, which even now, remains as one of the best foldable phones around.
With Apple set to introduce a slew of new features with iOS 27, it can't afford to not properly introduce a new multitasking experience. This has greater implications on the rumored iPhone Fold/iPhone Ultra, seeing that WWDC 2026 needs to unveil a dynamic, fluid multitasking engine that lets users effortlessly drag, drop, split, and layer apps without the clunkiness that has historically plagued the iPad's Stage Manager.
Are the Apple Glasses going to be a disruptive product?
With the Apple Vision Pro essentially on ice, Cupertino is reportedly shifting its wearable strategy toward a mainstream, display-less pair of smart spectacles designed to completely swallow the traditional eyewear industry.
According to internal roadmaps, Apple is eyeing the highly lucrative $200-to-$500 mid-tier segment — the exact territory dominated by giants like Luxottica and Warby Parker — and plans to weaponize its signature ecosystem lock-in, sleek industrial frames, and advanced on-device AI to convert regular glasses wearers.
Considering how Meta commands a massive head start with its Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, Apple's strategy isn't to build a niche gadget, but rather to turn corrective eyewear into the next essential iPhone health accessory.
Judgment day is finally here for Siri
When Apple originally teased a smarter, more contextual version of Siri, it felt like the tech giant was ready to reclaim its throne in the voice assistant space.
Fast forward through a series of internal engineering roadblocks and missed deadlines, and the assistant still struggles to keep pace with what its competitors have and continue to do. That's why tomorrow's WWDC 2026 keynote is judgement day for Apple and Siri. If Apple can't successfully ship a revamped, Gemini-backed Siri that can natively read your screen and execute multi-step tasks across apps, it risks permanently losing the consumer AI race to Google and OpenAI.
iOS 27 needs better Apple Intelligence features — and this is proof
Yet another feature I want to highlight needs to be injected with help from Apple Intelligence is the Call Screening feature introduced with iOS 26 last year.
During my side-by-side testing against the Pixel's equivalent feature, the iPhone successfully transcribes text in real time, but fundamentally halts there — failing to offer intelligent, actionable responses, or automatic spam flags. Meanwhile, Google Assistant on the Pixel actively looks deeper at the conversation to serve up contextual quick-replies.
If Apple wants its version to be more than a glorified, live-view answering machine, iOS 27 desperately needs to inject some serious Apple Intelligence into the dialer.
What Apple has planned for macOS 27
With tomorrow's WWDC 26, we expect to hear more about Apple's plan for operating systems like iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, particularly as it relates to Apple Intelligence. MacOS 27 also marks a new era for Macs, which will drop support for Intel and (finally) introduce a smarter Siri infused with AI. Check out our 5 biggest predictions for macOS 27 at tomorrow's showcase.
Waving goodbye to an era
Given that Apple CEO Tim Cook plans to step down in September, ahead of the expected iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold launch, it's safe to assume this year's WWDC, which will be his last, will include some send-offs for the long-standing exec. His last year coincides with Apple's 50th anniversary, which I suspect is no coincidence. He's not the type to go out with a huge bang, though, so don't expect another private concert with Paul McCartney.
Apple's WWDC 26 playlist
While your waiting for Monday's big event to kick off, why not enjoy some tunes? Apple's pushed out an official WWDC playlist on Apple Music to keep this hype train going, which includes tracks from Justin Bieber, sombr, BTS, Teddy Swims, Harry Styles and more.
Inside Apple's 'secret meeting' on AI
If you're into Apple intrigue, look no further than Mark Gurman's piece in Bloomberg today on how a pivotal AI meeting led to Mike Rockwell taking command of Siri — and John Giannandrea ultimately being shown the door. Apparently, in early 2025 multiple Apple execs "held a consequential meeting in a conference room near the software engineering department overseen by Craig Federighi."
During that fateful meeting, Rockwell, who had led the development of the Vision Pro, volunteered to "become Apple’s fixer for artificial intelligence and Siri." Apple CEO Tim Cook would ultimately give Rockwell the keys (while still reporting to Craig Federighi), and Cook became much more involved in Apple's AI roadmap, weighing in on features and product development. We'll see if this shift pays off during the keynote and once we get iOS 27 and the new Siri in our hands.
watchOS 27: Biggest rumored features
While the Apple Watch doesn't get a ton of a attention at WWDC, there are at least three rumored features you need to know about for watchOS 27. According to Bloomber's Mark Gurman, improvements to heart-rate tracking are coming. We can also expect a Apple Watch Ultra inspired watch face that's more modular. But the biggest upgrade could be Siri integration, though we don't know what form that will take yet on the Apple Watch lineup.
Apple Wallet: Create your own passes?
Apple Wallet already comes in super handy for me for flight check-ins, but what about things that don't have a pass attached to them? That's there the pass-building tool comes in for iOS 27. As reported by Bloomberg, iPhone users will be able to generate custom passes in Apple Wallet from a QR code. This will apparently work for tickets, memberships, gift cards and more.
One of my favorite WWDC memories: 2023 Vision Pro announcement
@tomsguide ♬ original sound - Tom’s Guide
Talk about a surprise. For WWDC 2023, there were rumors that Apple was making a mixed reality headset, but nothing at all concrete. Well, Apple surprised everyone by announcing the Vision Pro during the event as its "one more thing."
While the spatial computing device was indeed impressive — especially the eye- and finger-controlled interface — the $3,500 starting price shocked the crowd. My gut reaction still rings true today.
What the new Siri could look like
Ahead of WWDC, Bloomberg put together some renders of the what the new Siri could look like in iOS 27, and it is a pretty major transformation. For starters, Siri will live within the Dynamic Island on your iPhone and act like a chatbot. You'll be able to choose from Siri but also extensions for ChatGPT, Gemini and Anthropic (reportedly).
The interface itself will use rich cards to display information, and you'll be able to easily see past chats within a dedicated Siri app. We're looking forward to seeing the real thing.
Will there be a "one more thing" moment?
Apple’s “one more thing…” announcements have delivered some of the company's biggest moments over the years, from the first MacBook Air to the debut Apple Watch. More recently, Apple has used the tradition sparingly, with the reveal of Apple Vision Pro standing as the most notable modern example to come from a WWDC keynote.
Heading into WWDC 2026, rumors of major new hardware remain quiet. The spotlight is expected to shine on software with an emphasis on AI. But there's one reason I'm not completely ruling out a surprise: this is widely expected to be Tim Cook’s final WWDC keynote as CEO. Wouldn't it be fitting for him to close out his legacy with just one more "one more thing?"
Camera app upgrades in iOS 27
Do you ever wish you could customize the camera on your iPhone? That's apparently happening with the iOS 27 Camera app, which will give you more control over what elements you want front and center. You'll be able to place camera controls (labeled as widgets) in any order, and widgets will be organized into categories: basic, manual and settings. The advanced option will also reportedly unlock controls for things like depth-of-field and exposure.
Poll: What do you want to see at WWDC 2026?
As the countdown to the WWDC keynote begins we wanted to throw things over to you. What has you the most psyched about this year's Apple event? I'll admit, seeing the Apple Glasses as a tease is a LONG shot, but you never know.
Visual Intelligence (now with actual intelligence)
No offense, but up until now I have not been very impressed with Apple's Visual Intelligence feature, especially compared to the likes of Gemini Live and ChatGPT Advanced Voice Mode with video. The good news is that we've learned of two additions for Visual Intelligence that's part of iOS 27.
- Nutrition: Users can scan nutrition labels on food packaging for calorie and nutrient tracking using the Health app.
- Contacts: Visual Intelligence will let users scan phone numbers and addresses on business cards, adding info to the Contacts app.
From "not trying to create a chatbot" to a Siri chat app?
One of the more intriguing questions heading into WWDC 2026 is whether Apple is about to embrace the very thing it told us wasn't the goal with the long-awaited updated Siri experience.
In an interview with Tom's Guide following last year's WWDC keynote, Apple executives Craig Federighi and Greg 'Joz' Joswiak argued that the future of AI isn't about pushing users into a separate chat window every time they want to get something done. You can watch the full interview above for more context.
Rumors ahead of WWDC suggest Apple may be preparing a dedicated Siri chat experience with persistent conversations and a more ChatGPT-like interface. And if that's what Apple ultimately unveils, it wouldn't necessarily be a contradiction. Expect the "new Siri" to be integrated throughout the experience of all Apple platforms, but now with the option to visit a native chatbot-style destination on device.
iOS 27 under-the-radar upgrades
While a standalone Siri chatbot is the kind of headlining feature that'll leave us talking after WWDC 2026, I've found it’s often the unflashy or even "underrated" software updates from the keynote announcements that actually improve how we use our Apple devices every day.
Digging into the details of Bloomberg’s iOS 27 report, here are three low-profile rumored features that sound like they could be the best quality-of-life improvements for iPhone users:
- Natural Language Shortcuts: iOS 27 reportedly lets you just type your intended actions with Shortcuts in plain English instead of building coding-style blocks. This would democratize one of the iPhone's best, yet most underutilized productivity features.
- Refined Grammar Tools: Instead of standard autocorrect, Apple is reportedly testing a translucent, slide-up writing assistant menu. According to Mark Gurman, this feature would act like Grammarly, letting you actively review writing fixes on the fly.
- Left-Side Notifications: Incoming notifications will reportedly slide in from the left side to pair with a completely new gesture layout in iOS 27. While it would be huge UI pivot, it would free up the top of the screen for the new Siri features. This is one with potential for mixed user feedback, but maybe it'll be optional?
Will we see Apple's Mac Mini M5?
At this point, we've mostly counted out seeing new hardware during WWDC 2026. But if there's one device Apple would launch, our bets would be on the Mac Mini M5. The latest rumors point to a refresh of Apple's mini PC arriving sometime before the end of this year, and there's certainly a high demand for it.
If you actually try to go buy a current Mac mini right now, you'll see that shipping dates are pushed out by months. What gives? There are actually two things happening in the world of tech that explain why what was once the most affordable Mac (based on starting price) is suddenly the hardest to get:
- The local AI boom: The Mac Mini has become wildly popular for developers running local AI models and agentic tools. Because Apple Silicon uses ultra-fast unified memory, a high-RAM Mac mini is essentially a powerhouse for running heavy AI workloads completely offline.
- Global RAM shortage: Compounding that demand is a brutal global memory shortage. Read our very own Jason England's interview with a RAM analyst to catch up on the crisis and learn when we might see some relief .
That said, we're still not counting on WWDC 2026 being the time for a Mac Mini M5 announcement. While the chip upgrade will be a massive leap for AI performance, until the global supply chain shows signs of stabilization, it's unlikely Apple will rush out this refresh.
I'm actually hoping for visionOS 27 news (for the Glasses)
@mspoonyg ♬ original sound - mspoonyg
Yes, Apple is reportedly launching smart glasses in 2027 without a display, but after that the company is expected to go all-in on full AR glasses. At WWDC I hope to learn more about visionOS 27, because any new features could help paint a picture of what the Apple Glasses of tomorrow will be able to do.
Take visionOS 26 that Apple launched last year. When seeing the widgets that basically melt into your wall, my thoughts immediately turned to smart glasses. More of that this year please.
Siri 'extensions' are coming
While Apple is leveraging Google's Gemini models to power Siri, it's important to recognize that Apple's assistant will be its own thing with its own features. However, it sounds like you will be able to access other AI chatbots via so-called Siri extensions.
Back in March, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to open up Siri to other AI assistants in iOS 27. Siri already lets you send queries to ChatGPT, but Gemini and Claude should be added to the mix.
This is Apple's new "Snow Leopard" moment
Reports suggest that iOS 27 and macOS 27 are both focused on stability and refinement, but the work could go deeper than you might have expected. Mark Gurman has likened the upgrades to 2009's Mac OS X Snow Leopard, which made serious improvements to the performance of the OS X Leopard update from two years prior.
The idea behind the updates is to clean up the backend. This includes optimizing the software, removing junk code, and making iOS 27 and macOS 27 lighter and more efficient in the process.
The benefit being that a more efficient operating system should translate to improved machine performance, faster load times, lower power consumption, and possibly even reduced storage requirements. So while the emphasis may not be on new features, that doesn't mean Apple engineers haven't been hard at work.
AI is getting some love this year
The focus may be on refining Apple's operating systems this year, but that doesn't mean there won't be any new features coming to your iPhone. Not only are we expecting to see the new, Gemini-powered Siri, but Apple is also set to make improvements to Apple Intelligence and its suite of AI features.
Rumors and reports suggest that we'll see new and improved AI photo-editing features, custom AI-generated wallpapers, more realistic image generation in Image Playground, improved Genmoji designs, as well as improvements to Visual Intelligence that should make it actually feel intelligent.
New Siri is coming, and it could make or break Apple Intelligence
The most exciting thing about WWDC 2026 is the long-awaited reveal of Siri 2.0. The AI upgrade was originally announced back in 2024, set to arrive as part of iOS 18, but Apple faced a lot of issues trying to get everything to work. In the end, the reports claim that Apple partnered with Google to help get the ball rolling again.
That means the new version of Siri will apparently run on the same models that power Google Gemini. How different it will be from Google's AI isn't clear, but we have heard that Apple is still working hard to emphasize the privacy aspects of its own AI — to help it stand out from the competition.
The pressure is on, too, since this version of Siri is expected to expand across the entire Apple ecosystem. Not only will it be available on iPhones and Macs, it's also expected to power Apple's new smart home hub, AI glasses and a rumored AI pendant.
Customizable Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass may be a slightly controversial addition to iOS, but it isn't going to be ditched anytime soon. In fact, iOS 27 might give you a little more control over the design, with reports suggesting that a system-wide slider is coming as part of the update.
Apparently, this feature was planned for iOS 26, but was scrapped due to technical limitations. The idea is that the slider will give you a lot more control over the Liquid Glass effects, rather than being forced to choose between transparent and opaque options that are currently available.
The camera is getting some love too
iOS 27 should also see Apple catch up to rivals by adding professional camera controls to the official Apple camera app. This means that Apple is expected to open various settings within the camera app that let users customize the way the photo is taken. In much the same way that you can on a lot of standalone cameras, and various third-party camera apps.
Crucially, though, while a lot of professional camera apps cost money, either as a paid download or ongoing subscription, this should be completely free. The specifics of which settings will be adjustable aren't clear, but early reports claim that depth-of-field and exposure will be included.
To top it off, Apple is also supposedly making the camera interface customizable, with new widget placements and the ability to keep certain settings more accessible.
How well do you know Apple?
WWDC is extra special this year, because it also marks Apple's 50th anniversary. A lot can happen in that time, but how much of it do you actually know about? Take our 50th anniversary Apple quiz to find out.
Which phones will support iOS 27?
Every year, we see older iPhones lose out on the next iOS update, and those of you rocking older devices might be concerned about your device missing out.
Last year saw the iPhone Xs and iPhone XR miss out on iOS 26, and if that trend is anything to go by, it means the iPhone 11 family will likely miss out on iOS 27. There's always the chance Apple will keep it around another year, but if any iPhones will be left with iOS 26 it'll be these three.
There's also a chance that the iPhone SE 2020 will lose support, since it runs on the same chipset as the iPhone 11 series. However, since it was released several months later, there's still a chance it will continue into 2027 with full software support. We'll find out for sure when the first iOS 27 beta details are confirmed.
Touch-capable macOS
We're not expecting to see any MacBook announcements at WWDC, but the release of macOS 27 could come with some clues about the upcoming touchscreen MacBook — also known as the MacBook Ultra.
The Ultra won't be arriving until early next year, according to recent reports, but that means macOS 27 already needs to be ready to handle the touchscreen elements.
It's unlikely that Apple will make a big deal about macOS 27's touch capabilities, and we're expecting the entire keynote to pass by without any mention of what's to come. But eagle-eyed viewers may be able to see some hints during the keynote, and following the release of macOS 27 beta.
Dark Mode comes to Siri
There's been a lot of talk about Siri's upcoming AI-powered capabilities, but what you may not have known about is the impending dark mode makeover the AI is about to get. According to reports, Siri 2.0 won't come with a light mode option, and will instead only offer darker colors.
If you've seen the WWDC artwork, like the image above, you may get an idea of what the new dark mode Siri will look like. Mark Gurman claims that the app will feature a dark background with a bight blinking cursor, with a similar color scheme to the logo in question.
Can we expect any hardware reveals?
Apple's revealed many memorable devices over the years with its developers conference and it's possible we may see something at this time. Just a few years ago, the Apple Vision Pro was unveiled to the world at WWDC 2023.
Several rumored hardware devices could be in Apple's future, like the iPhone Fold, MacBook Ultra, and Apple Glasses. Only time will tell if any of them gets teased, but which is your all-tome favorite Apple device?
5 biggest WWDC announcements? Here's Google Gemini's prediction
We already know that Apple's tapping Gemini to power its next version of Siri, which should be one of the highlights of WWDC 2026. The current AI chatbot that's available on phones and desktops certainly can do some amazing things, but we've asked it to predict some of the biggest announcements of WWDC 2026. Here's what it gave us.
- The Siri Super-Overhaul with Gemini: You'll be able to give multi-step, chained commands in a single prompt; there's a standalone Siri App and (finally) on-screen awareness.
- A New "Search or Ask" AI Panel: Swiping down from the top center will launch Search or Ask. From this panel, you can run system shortcuts, search your phone, or hand off complex queries to third-party chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini.
- iOS 27 & macOS 27: A "Snow Leopard" Focus on Stability. Apple's upcoming software updates (iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27) are expected to act as a "deep clean" with a focus on better battery life and less bugs. Liquid Glass is getting refined, too.
- Customizable Camera App, Better Visual Intelligence: A redesigned Camera app will feature customizable widgets and the power to scan nutrition labels (instantly logging calories/nutrients into the Health app) or read documents to create contact cards.
- Photos Generative AI Tools, Apple Wallet Upgrades: Photos will get advanced generative tools like Extend, Reframe, and Enhance. The Wallet app will introduce built-in bill-splitting and easy digital pass creation.
These all sound like accurate predictions, based on the all the rumors we've been covering, but it'll also be interesting to see what hardware, in any, gets revealed at the event later today.
We're on the ground at Apple Park!
It's a busy morning at Apple Park for WWDC 2026! Our very own Mark Spoonauer and Kate Kozuch are on the ground, ready to report on whatever Apple has in store.
While this year's keynote will likely highlight Apple Intelligence and the new Siri, the event is especially notable for potentially being the last one led by Tim Cook.
Photos app could gain its biggest feature in years — and it might be thanks to Apple Intelligence
Already, the rumors surround Apple Intelligence hint to a big upgrade coming to the Photos app for iOS 27. We're referring to an AI tool that could transform complex photo edits that normally take some time and dwindle them to a matter of seconds, all by simply telling it what changes you want.
This sounds a lot like Google's Ask Photos feature than debuted with the Pixel 10 lineup last fall, which was then rolled out as a native feature within Google Photos. The images above in the gallery highlight how easy it is to edit photos, like swapping out the shirt you're wearing, changing backgrounds, and eliminating unwanted people from the shot.
Apple's expected to announce big news — here's our predictions
@tomsguide ♬ Vlog - wouldliker
We're still getting through the massive lines that formed at Apple Park ahead of today's WWDC 2026 keynote, where we'll likely get our first look at its biggest software updates. Obviously, things like iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27 should get previewed, but here are our biggest predictions for what else we might see.
Gemini's task automation feature changes everything — Siri needs to catch up
When we tried out Gemini's new task automation feature for the first time, we were blown away by how well it worked. That's because our very own John Velasco used his Galaxy S26 to place an order to Dunkin' using Google Gemini. With just a short voice command asking it to place the order through DoorDash, the AI assistant went ahead and did everything for him.
You won't find this level of intelligence on current iPhones, which is why all eyes are on Apple for WWDC 2026 to see if the new Siri will follow suit and gain similar functionality. The rumors hint at Siri integrating on a deeper level with iOS 27, so hopefully it can perform this level of automation.
I’m here at #wwdc Getting ready for the new Siri… pic.twitter.com/u8RfqjokbUJune 8, 2026
We're a little over an hour away from the start of the WWDC 2026 keynote and Apple Park has come to life with the amount of people eager to see what's in store.
Will OpenAI be the biggest loser?
While OpenAI's ChatGPT is integrated into iOS 26, things are looking to change in a big way with iOS 27. That's because of Apple's deal with Google earlier this year to tap Gemini's powerful models and integrate them with the new Siri.
If that's not enough, it's rumored that iOS 27 will offer users more choice on which AI chatbot to use. By transforming Siri into a native chatbot app and opening the OS to multiple third-party models like Claude, Apple is aggressively leveling the playing field and stripping OpenAI of its unique advantage on the iPhone.
Breakfast now, keynote soon
@mspoonyg ♬ original sound - Rubina
We're less than an hour from the start of the WWDC 2026 keynote, which is reportedly going to be the last one led by Tim Cook. Before that gets here, we're checking out what Apple's offering guests for breakfast. What do you think of this treat?
New Siri could pave the way for an AirPods Ultra reveal
Since rumors about Siri have been ramping up ahead of WWDC 2026, it does make us wonder about when Apple could introduce a new pair of AirPods. Just last month, it was reported that the AirPods Ultra with cameras were 'nearly ready.'
Taking into consideration that Apple could be laying the groundwork for its first true AI wearable at WWDC 2026, where the newly overhauled, Gemini-powered Siri should introduce advanced Visual Intelligence capabilities needed to drive future hardware. This software evolution is perfectly timed, as the long-rumored AirPods Ultra with built-in infrared cameras have officially entered advanced late-stage testing.
iPhone 17 Pro zoom is great, but AI can make it better
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Take a look at the clip above that my colleague Mark Spoonauer recorded at Apple Park. Don't get me wrong, the iPhone 17 Pro's zooming capability is great, but it could absolutely be better — especially after what we've seen from the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Google's flagship uses its AI-powered Pro Res Zoom feature to intelligently enhance long-range shots, a strategy Motorola also just adopted for its new Razr Fold. We're itching to see what other Apple Intelligence features get announced at WWDC 2026 today, and whether the iPhone will finally get a similar AI zoom enhancer.
A smarter Siri on a HomePod does sound intriguing
It's difficult to say if Apple’s long-rumored HomePad smart display could be introduced or teased at WWDC 2026, but revealing it now makes perfect strategic sense, as its core functionality relies entirely on the newly overhauled, Gemini-powered Siri and it revamped smart home platform. Showing off this hub would perfectly demonstrate how Apple plans to bring its fresh Apple Intelligence features out of your pocket and straight into the center of your living room.
Don't forget about the livestream
Yes, you're reading our coverage to get all the latest news from WWDC 2026. But if you want to see it happen as it unfolds, then don't forget the official livestream.
The countdown has begun!
The buzz is building at #wwdc stay tuned for live coverage from @tomsguide pic.twitter.com/ehyd8XKBcBJune 8, 2026
After getting through the long lines at the entrance, our on the ground reporters are finally in their seats to report on all the biggest announcements that unfold at WWDC 2026. What are you most excited for?
How will Apple respond to the Googlebook?
Just last month, the Googlebook was introduced as a premium laptop powered by AI. Clearly it'll be interesting to see how Apple responds to this because the Googlebook is aggressively dismantling the traditional barriers between mobile and desktop.
There's been talk about macOS getting support for touchscreens and the rumored MacBook Ultra could be the one to make it a reality.
Tim Cook takes center stage
Just like that, Tim Cook's on stage at WWDC 2026 for opening remarks. "I'm deeply grateful to have been on this journey with you," explained Cook. This one should be memorable given how rumors hint that it might be the last Apple event he leads.
Craig Federighi highlights three biggest announcements
After Tim Cook's opening remarks, he hands it off to Craig Federighi who's going to talk about platform improvements, Trust and safety, and Apple Intelligence and Siri.
The next macOS is called 'Golden Gate'
Right off the bat, we're getting our first look at the next version of macOS. It's called "Golden Gate," which is taking some of the platforms best features and making them better.
Liquid Glass is getting more customization
Apple's giving users more control of how Liquid Glass looks across devices, with sliders that let you adjust its transparency and arrangement. With macOS, the sidebar gets expanded and regain their color based on which window is active.
App icons gain depth
App icons gets a subtle tweak with Liquid Glass elements, which make icons more layered and gives them depth.
Software tweaks make everything run way faster
Apple's optimizing its software to make them run more efficiently and faster. For example, iPhone apps launch 30% faster than to the improvements with smoother animations. Another improvement is that photos appear up to 70% faster in the Photos app once you've taken them. Finally, you'll also find 80% faster AirDrop speeds,\.
Search gets updated for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Search is getting better with iOS, iPad OS, and macOS, as the new search infrastructure analyzes what's on your device and indexes them. With mail, you'll also get relevant results at the top of Search.
AirPods gain custom EQ setting
If you want a particular sound profile with your AirPods, you'll be able to do it soon because Apple's adding custom EQ settings.
Apple introduces new powerful parental controls for healthy child development
Apple's taking time to talk about digital habits, specifically with new child safety features. They want healthy child development by creating a Child Account, which parents can use to enable powerful parental controls.
Powerful parental controls for friends, apps, and Safari
With these new parental controls, they can approve what apps their kids can install. The App store will show age rating, so parents can determine if kids can download them.
There's also an Ask to Browse Website function, which lets parents approve what their children can view. Likewise, there's a parental control where kids can ask permission to add new contact.
'We recommend children under 13 don't use social media'
Apple's Ann Thai continues to go over more parental controls that Apple's been working on, but makes an interesting statement during the presentation. "'We recommend children under 13 don't use social media," said Thai.
Apple Intelligence is taking a big step forward
There's big updates coming to Apple Intelligence that unlocks bold new architecture, a new Siri, and how it will make apps smarter and more useful.
Personal context understanding with Siri
Apple Intelligence acts as a spotlight to know better what you're asking. It'll also employ app actions and have more on-screen awareness.
Siri + Apple Intelligence = Siri AI
The new version Apple's assistant is called Siri AI, which is a way more capable assistant, more conversational, there's also a dedicated Siri app, Visual Intelligence across platforms, and Write with Siri.
Siri AI lives in the Dynamic Island
Siri AI looks like it's living within the Dynamic Island and has a brand new animation. It also can see what you're looking at on your iPhone and answer questions, which is a lot like what Google Gemini does already. Finally, it can populate recent photos you've taken and it's also smart enough to distinguish people in them — so that they can be categorized in an album.
Siri is more conversational
With Siri AI, it's available system wide and tailored from each platform. With iOS 27, it lives in the Dynamic Island and can also be initiated by long pressing the power button. The demo of Siri AI in iOS 27 shows how it can search across your phone to find small details, like a recipe for cookies that someone sent you. It also appears to run in its own app.
Siri on macOS
It's integrated in Spotlight with macOS and it runs within its own window in the interface. You can also do things like select multiple files and have Siri AI perform actions on them. Just like Siri AI on iOS, it can search through messages to perform additional actions, like using Siri AI to search for an email and respond to it.
Dedicated Siri app across platforms
The dedicated Siri app across all platforms and conversations are synced privately on iCloud, so it works across all platforms. It'll also be available on watchOS and visionOS
Visual Intelligence is coming to macOS
Visual Intelligence can now be accessible on macOS to search stuff and perform actions with whatever you're doing.
Apple Intelligence adds more features to Safari
Apple Intelligence will be able to organize your Safari tabs based on topics. You'll be able to stay updated by monitoring pages with a feature called Notify Me. For example, it can tell you if a product changes in price. With Describe an Extension, you can create a button to your toolbar.
Messages and Phone apps gain Apple Intelligence features
Apple Intelligence is aware with your conversations and even make suggestion directly in Messages. If someone mentions a get together, it'll suggest making a calendar event for it.
Apple Intelligence makes security cameras more reliable
Apple's Home app is becoming more reliable thanks to Apple Intelligence features. For example, it'll give you specific notifications with what security cameras capture. It
Apple Intelligence makes creating shortcuts a breeze
The Shortcuts app can be intimidating to create custom shortcuts, but now you can use Apple Intelligence to do it for you with a feature called "describe a shortcut." You can just type what you want and it'll do the rest.
More generative features with Image Playground
Apple Intelligence is boosting Image Playground with powerful photo editing tools you can simply type. It's very similar to Ask Photos. Apple showed how you can add candles to a cake by simply describing your edits.
Photos app gain big generative AI features
Apple is injecting more Apple Intelligence tools with the Photos app. They include the following:
Clean Up: Remove objects with better results
Extend: You can extend a photo with generative elements
Spatial Reframing: It combines clean up and extend with a feature called Spatial Reframing that analyzes a photo and can change the perspective.
The most impressive of the bunch is Spatial Reframing because it allows you to shoot a photo and worry about the framing later.
Shortcuts made easy
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Here's the demo of Apple showing off the new Shortcuts app powered by Siri and Apple Intelligence to create custom shortcuts. You can just send a prompt on what you want and it'll take care of the rest.
When can you expect the new software?
Apple is releasing the developers beta right now, followed by a public beta release in July. Final releases of all the software will come in the fall.
Tim Cook signing off
And that's a wrap! Tim Cook spent the last few moments of the WWDC 2026 keynote acknowledging how it's been a privilege to lead Apple. "I truly believe that the best is still ahead, and Apple is creating the best products in the world to deliver experiences that enrich people's lives."
A more efficient (and smoother) iOS 27 experience
Apple finally introduced iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote event. This year's iPhone software update didn't focus much on new features, but instead, shows off how the platform is getting more efficient thanks to Apple's optimizations. From smoother animations to faster startup speeds, iOS 27 will feel way more responsive.
There are other updates, too, like the ability to customize the look of Liquid Glass. And of course, the biggest additions pertain to Siri AI and more Apple Intelligence features.
Q&A time with Craig Federighi
We're in a Q&A session with Craig Federighi right now, so stay tuned for his answers!
Liquid Glass updates
Apple has made adjustments to how Liquid Glass looks and functions. This has been done to address some of the concerns users have had with the UI since last year.
For example, Sidebars now extend to the edge of a window. The icons keep their color instead of becoming opaque. All first-party icons will also have a more consistent look across all platforms.
IDC analysts weigh in
We reached out to IDC to hear what their expert analysts had to say. Here is a quote from Tom Mainelli, Group Vice President:
"If today's announcements ship as promised, Apple will have largely delivered on commitments made two years ago at WWDC. Yes, the company has been criticized for 'falling behind in AI.' But what struck me is how focused Apple remains on shipping features it believes consumers will actually value, rather than chasing trends like agentic AI. With deep knowledge of its customers, it appears positioned to deliver powerful experiences to those who want them, and easy opt-outs for those who don't."
Reframing tool just stole the show at WWDC
Reframe is a feature that does exactly what it sounds like. The idea is that you can take an existing photo and shift the perspective to create something (almost) totally new. It sounds like the kind of thing Apple would restrict to spatial photos, which are only visible on the Vision Pro headset, but that's not the case.
Referred to as Spatial Reframing, Apple says this feature can be applied to all pictures Apple Photos can access — even those taken by a different camera.
Will your iPhone get iOS 27?
Apple officially drew the compatibility line at WWDC 2026, revealing that iOS 27 will support devices dating back to the iPhone 12 series while finally cutting off the iPhone 11 and the 2020 iPhone SE.
However, there's a major catch regarding Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features. You'll need to have a relatively newer model, like the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, to access them. You can find the full list of supported devices here.
watchOS 27 support only a handful of new models
Apple didn't spend as much time on watchOS 27, probably due to the how it shares many of the same new features as the other software platforms — like Siri AI. However, there are still noteworthy updates that come along with it.
For example, watchOS 27 introduces a Dynamic App Grid that surfaces your most recently used apps, alongside cards, and ID integration natively inside the Smart Stack. However, the software's advanced intelligence features come at a heavy cost, as Apple aggressively drops compatibility to the latest 5 Apple Watch models.
Is Reframe the coolest new Apple Intelligence feature?
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There were a slew of new Apple Intelligence features revealed at WWDC 2026, but what's arguably the coolest one has to be Reframe. Just check out Apple's demo of the feature in action to change the perspective of a 2D photo.
What did visionOS 27 get?
While we were hoping Apple might tease visionOS updates for smart glasses, owners of the Vision Pro are getting some updates with visionOS 27.
Largely, they revolve around the Siri AI update that's launching across Apple's platforms. This includes a new 3D visualization of Siri that you can talk to just by looking at.
Beyond that, Control Center is getting a redesign, and new curvature windows are coming.
Federighi: "We see Siri not as a separate chatbot, but rather as an integral but conversational tool."
After the main WWDC 2026 keynote speech, Apple's Craig Federighi held a Q&A about the new Siri AI.
"It's deeply integrated into your experience, understanding what's on screen...And so while the experiences are conversational, they are really an extension of your system experience, deeply integrated into your flow."
For more check out what Federighi told Tom's Guide Editor in Chief Mark Spoonauer during the session.
Not all AI-capable iPhones will get every new feature
Here's what's coming to watchOS 27
Like the other operating systems, watchOS 27 is getting major Siri integration powered by Apple Intelligence.
However, as mentioned, only five Apple Watch models will support the updated OS.
Here's what's coming to watchOS 27.
What's up with Siri AI?
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Here's Tom's Guide Editor-in-Chief sharing some information about Siri AI based on what we know so far and our Q&A with Apple's Craig Federighi.
iOS 27 just fixed a big passwords problem
Now here's a practical new features of Apple Intelligence in iOS 27. If your passwords have been compromised, the Passwords app can now automatically fix these for users with a tap. The app "securely navigates through websites to sign in and upgrade their accounts to strong passwords." Apple didn't use the phrase "agentic AI," but this sounds a lot like it.
Custom EQ (finally) comes to AirPods
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One of our most popular TikToks from WWDC so far is the one Apple revealing a custom equalizer for the AirPods in iOS 27. This is not a drill. Yes, you'll be able to tweak the lows, mids and highs from your iPhone. One of the first comments? "Only took FIVE years." Hey, we'll take it.
Apple's new betas are available right now
If you're eager to try Apple's newest software and don't want to wait until the official release later this year, you can always download the beta version.
Betas are set to be available for just about every product Apple makes, from iPhones to Vision Pro and even Apple TV. However, only the developer betas are available right now — and they require an Apple developer account to download. The public betas won't be arriving until sometime next month, which means many of you will have to wait.
Luckily, if you head over to the Apple beta website, you can sign up to join the beta program ahead of the public beta's release. That means you'll be ready to go and will be able to download your betas of choice as soon as they're ready.
The Reframe tool is phenomenal
One of the standout features from the WWDC 2026 keynote is Apple's new Reframe tool. This is one of three AI photo editing features Apple is including with iOS 27, and it's all focused on changing the perspective of your existing photos.
That's right, you can take a photo on any camera you like, and Apple Intelligence will be able to shift the composition to make it look like it was taken from a totally different angle.
Tom's Guide Phones Editor John Velasco already tested this after installing the iOS 27 beta and found the feature worked exactly as Apple said it would — producing some unbelievably good edited shots. And this is a feature that's currently only available on iPhone, which finally means Apple is getting ahead of its AI-centric Android rivals
Want to install the iOS 27 beta? Here's how
If you have an Apple developer account, you can install the first iOS 27 beta right now. We have a full guide on what you need to do to download the iOS 27 beta, and how to register as a developer if you haven't done so already.
Just remember that a bunch of Apple's best new AI features will only be available on iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air. All other iPhones will miss out on some things.
Stronger parental controls are coming
One of the big announcements during WWDC is that Apple is adding more robust parental controls to iOS 27 and macOS 27, to help parents better control what their kids can and can't do on their phones.
This includes offering new child accounts, that imposes age restrictions and greater parental controls over content that can be accessed. There are also screen time schedules to ensure your kids aren't just using their phones all day and night.
Apple's expanding its questionable content filters in Messages and FaceTime, too. The new filters include gore and violent content, in addition to nudity
Your device may not get the best Apple Intelligence features
As impressive as all of the new AI features Apple announced at WWDC 2026, they won't be available for everyone. In fact, only a handful of device will actually gain access to every single new Apple Intelligence upgrade. They are:
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPad models with M4 and later and at least 12GB of unified memory
- Mac models with M3 and later and at least 12GB of unified memory
- Apple Vision Pro (M5)
Apple hasn't specified exactly which features will be exclusive to these newer devices. However Craig Federighi, Apple's SVP of software engineering, confirmed that "expressive voices and more advanced dictation" will be exclusive to the aforementioned devices.
No doubt we'll find out more as the iOS 27, macOS 27 and iPadOS 27 betas roll out to larger groups of people.
Here's how to check out the macOS 27 beta
macOS 27, also known as Golden Gate, is also available in beta form, provided you have an Apple developer account.
The update is mostly about improving performance, but you can still enjoy some new Apple Intelligence features if your Mac is new enough. If you want to check out what's changed, and experience the pre-release software for yourself, be sure to check out our guide on how to install macOS 27 developer beta.
Apple Intelligence comes to security cameras
WWDC 2026 wasn't just about new software for phones and Macs. The keynote also confirmed that Apple is making a greater push into the smart home market, with something it's calling Apple Home Secure Video.
This feature is set to link Apple Intelligence with security cameras, offering detailed descriptions about everything that's happening in all the videos stored on your iCloud. Apple's adding natural language search that makes it a lot easier to search for specific events and the option to store 4K videos.
The caveat is that this will eat into your available iCloud storage, and there aren't nearly as many HomeKit-compatible cameras compared to rivals like Ring and Nest — both of which offer similar features if you pay for the right kind of subscription.
But considering Apple's version is free with an iCloud Plus subscription, it definitely has an edge over rival cameras.
Which Apple Watches will run watchOS 27?
New software inevitably means that some older devices will be left behind, and that's especially true of watchOS 27. While watchOS 26 was available on Apple Watch series 6 and newer, the next version is only available on Apple Watch 9 and newer.
Here's a full list of supported devices
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple Watch SE 3
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Apple Watch Ultra 3
That is bad news for anyone with a slightly older Apple Watch because they're stuck with watchOS 26 forevermore. That includes Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch SE (2022) and Apple Watch series 6 through 8
We're already seeing iPhone Ultra clues ion iOS 27
We weren't expecting to see any new hardware at WWDC 2026, but that doesn't mean the upcoming iPhone Ultra hasn't made its presence known. Software sleuths have already discovered clues about the foldable's existence in the code for iOS 27 beta.
Various code strings include references to "foldstate," "angledegrees" and "DeviceDisplayCount." Those are only relevant for foldable phones, on account of them having multiple displays and a folding hinge running down their back. If we didn't already know the iPhone Ultra was on the way, this would have confirmed it.
Apple has also been talking to developers about concepts to help apps adapt to different screen sizes and aspect ratios. While this would also apply to existing Apple products, like phones and tablets, it's going to be an integral part of running native apps on the iPhone Ultra's shorter and wider screens.
Which iPhones can run iOS 27?
While a bunch of older Apple Watch models are being cut off from watchOS 27, the same isn't true for iPhones. In fact, all iPhones capable of running iOS 26 will be able to run iOS 27 as well. This means that no new iPhones will be cut off from the upgrade.
The full list includes:
- iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, Phone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020 and 2022 models)
However, not every iPhone will be eligible for all the new Apple Intelligence features. Only iPhone 15 Pro and newer can run Apple Intelligence, which has been the case for two years, but some of the new features will be exclusive to iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air.
It's not clear which features will be exclusive to the newer features, or why, but just remember that having a slightly older device means you will miss out on something.
This is one of the coolest Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27
Do you see that above? It's the new Reframe tool in the iOS 27 Photos app, which lets you completely shift the perspective of a shot after the fact. After installing the iOS 27 developer beta, we put it to the test to see how it performs — and believe us, it's impressive. It's a uniquely Apple feature, as no equivalent tool is currently available on any other phone.
Siri AI is going to transform the way you use your iPhone
Everyone was eager to see what Apple would call the new Siri at its WWDC 2026 keynote, but the aptly named Siri AI will transform the way people use their iPhones. That's because it isn't just an iterative upgrade, it's an evolutionary leap that's deeply integrated with the next generation of Apple Intelligence to finally transform Siri from a basic voice-command tool into a true, context-aware AI chatbot.
We just saw Siri AI in action with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS
It's one thing to watch demos of it during a livestream, but seeing Siri AI in action in real-time is something else. We just got our first hands-on look at Siri AI running on an iPhone, iPad, and Mac — and this revamped assistant is finally smart enough to end those jokes about the old Siri being dumb.
What's really neat is how it effortlessly digs up personal recommendations from past text messages and instantly looks through on-screen text to build multi-step calendar events. However, it's worth noting that [omitted] these capabilities are currently siloed within Apple’s native apps, like Mail and Messages, leaving third-party integration like Gmail up in the air.
Want to try out the iPadOS 27 beta? Here's how
Following yesterday’s WWDC 2026 keynote, Apple immediately released the first developer betas, including iPadOS 27. There are some visual changes to the iPad's software, like a refined Liquid Glass interface. While Siri AI was heavily teased, there appears to be a waitlist to try it out.
Nevertheless, you can check out everything else that's new with iPadOS 27 by downloading the developers beta, but know that this early software is bound to have performance bugs and heavy battery drain. That's why it's highly recommended that you back up your data completely before installing it.
Parents will have way more power at what their kids do on their iPhone
Taking a good chunk of its keynote, Apple introduced a major overhaul to its child safety controls with a suite of new parental control features coming to iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27.
Called Time Allowance, the new system allows parents to set highly customized app category restrictions and schedules. In addition, there will be a new "Ask to Browse" feature that lets kids request website approvals directly through Messages. Also worth noting is tha Apple's also opening up its developer APIs to bring these guardrails to third-party apps.
Create your own Wallet passes in iOS 27
Among the massive wave of updates hitting iOS 27, the Apple Wallet app is getting a powerful, utility-focused overhaul headlined a new Visual Intelligence capability to introduce a way to create custom passes in the Wallet app that lets you scan barcodes or QR codes on physical membership cards, event tickets, or rewards passes and transform them into fully customized, digital wallet duplicates.
'I've never seen so many iPhone before!'
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You didn't see it during the WWDC 2026 livestream because it happened in person prior to the main broadcast, but Apple CEO Tim Cook kicked off the event directly in front of the crowd at Apple Park.
Not only did he seem humbled by the applause and adulation as he walked up to the stage, but he even joked about the sea of devices facing him. "I've never seen so many iPhones before!" Cook joked.
These Apple Watches don't make the cut to support Siri AI
Just like its other platforms, watchOS 27 is getting the same Siri AI overhaul, bringing context-aware, multi-turn conversations and a standalone Siri app to the smaller screen.
However, the massive catch is that Apple has aggressively tightened its compatibility requirements, completely dropping support for six older Apple Watches that are currently in active use. In order to experience the upgraded voice assistant and the new Dynamic App Grid this fall, you'll need to own an Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, or the new SE 3.
Yes, the AirPods finally gain a long-sought-after feature
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AirPods users, listen up! If you're tired of the exact same sound profile day in and day out, you're in luck. During its WWDC 2026 keynote, Apple revealed that its wireless earbuds are finally getting a customizable EQ setting, letting you tune the audio exactly the way you want.
Security cameras just got an Apple Intelligence boost
One you may have missed is during WWDC 2026 is a new Apple Intelligence feature that could make the rumored Apple Home lineup more appealing.
My colleague Mike Prospero broke down how the new AI-powered video descriptions will be available for all of your stored security videos. And it comes at a nice price than Google Home Premium and Ring Pro.
Is Siri AI too late?
Siri 2.0 was announced in 2024 but only seems to be coming to fruition now with Apple's new Siri AI coming in iOS 27.
However, Tom's Guide AI editor Amanda Caswell wonders if perhaps the new Siri is too late after ChatGPT and other AI services blew past Apple in the last two years.
