We're a little less than two weeks from WWDC 2026 where Apple will debut the first look at the forthcoming iOS 27 and potentially the long-delayed Siri 2.0.
The next update to Apple's iPhone operating system should be AI-focused as Apple tries to catch up with rivals. A new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman shared several AI features and a new, darker look for Siri. This includes a potential EU directive that forces Apple to offer AirPlay alternatives.
Genmoji and Image Playground updates
Per Gurman, both Genmoji and Image Playground are getting visual and feature updates. Both apps should be a getting a visual upgrade that should make the emojis and AI-generated images look much better.
Genmoji will let the operating system suggest premade options based on your frequently used phrases and images.
Image Playground is supposed to support more third-party AI models for image creation. This would be in addition to the current ChatGPT availability. There should also be a new wallpaper creation tool.
Briefly, Gurman says Apple is also working on the ability to use conversational prompts in the Shortcuts app and a new AI-based grammar checker.
Dark Siri
It's not really surprising but the the theming for WWDC 2026 appears to hint at a potential new look for Siri. Per Gurman, the black and white shiny logo for WWDC showcases the same colors that will feature in the animation and text input fields for Siri in iOS 27.
Apple is said to be leaning into a darker theme this year. This is because the new Siri interface apparently lacks a light-mode option and uses dark hues. It does seem to confirm our speculation on how Siri is evolving this year.
According to Gurman, "the Search or Ask bar at the top of iOS 27 will have a dark background with a cursor that blinks in the same colors as the animations in the latest WWDC art."
We'll know more starting on June 8 when the WWDC 2026 keynote kicks off Apple's developer conference. Apple hasn't confirmed the exact start time, but the presentation usually starts around 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. As usual, the event will take place at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA.
The live keynote has generally been streamed on the Apple website, the Apple Developer app and its YouTube channel. Are you excited for WWDC, iOS 27 and the delayed Siri? Let us know in the comments.
