Apple is preparing to make Siri feel less like a voice shortcut and more like a systemwide AI layer across the iPhone. The shift is expected to become one of the main highlights at WWDC 2026 on June 9, ahead of the iOS 27 release in the fall.
The change would mark a major reset for how users interact with Apple devices. Instead of handling only short commands, Siri is being positioned to carry out tasks, respond in a more conversational way, and work through both voice and text in a manner that draws closer to ChatGPT and Gemini.
Siri is moving toward a chatbot-style experience
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says iOS 27 will bring a chatbot version of Siri. The goal is to make interactions feel more natural and less rigid than the current assistant experience.
Apple also wants Siri to act more like an AI agent connected to many apps. That deeper integration is meant to make Siri feel more present across the iPhone and other Apple devices.
Apple is keeping its AI options open
Another important part of the plan is flexibility. Apple has previously said Gemini AI would help support a more personal Siri, and in a joint statement in January, Apple and Google said Google’s AI technology is the strongest foundation for Apple Foundation Models.
At the same time, Apple is not expected to lock users into a single AI service. Gurman said users may eventually be able to choose other services such as Gemini, ChatGPT, or Claude for Apple Intelligence features, including Writing Tools and Image Playground.
That approach suggests Apple wants Siri to remain the main entry point, while still allowing different AI styles depending on what users need. It also gives Apple more room to expand AI features without tying the experience to one provider alone.
A dedicated Siri app is also being discussed
Siri may also get its own standalone app in iOS 27. Inside that app, users could review conversation history in a layout similar to iMessage, complete with chat bubbles and search tools for specific conversations.
That would solve one of Siri’s long-standing weaknesses, since older interactions are often hard to find again. A searchable history would make it easier to revisit previous questions or commands.
Apple is testing a different on-screen look for Siri
On iPhone 15 models and newer, Apple is reportedly trying a new activation style for Siri. Instead of the full-edge light effect, Siri may appear inside Dynamic Island first with a “Searching” label before results are shown.
Once the result is ready, the interface would expand into a transparent window with a Liquid Glass design. Gurman also pointed to the WWDC invitation logo as a hint that Apple is preparing this new activation style.
More systemwide AI tools are on the way
Apple also wants Siri to feel more useful inside built-in apps. Two functions mentioned for iOS 27 are Ask Siri and Write with Siri.
Ask Siri would appear in native apps to help search email or provide information from highlighted text. Write with Siri would open Writing Tools and help with writing and text generation.
Other apps are being reworked too
The Camera app is also said to be getting more customization options. Users may be able to choose which controls appear, including flash, exposure, timer, and resolution, and then decide where those controls sit in the interface.
The Home Screen may gain Undo and Redo buttons when users enter Edit mode by long-pressing the Home Screen. Those buttons would help reverse or repeat changes to widgets, wallpaper, and page layouts.
Apple is also preparing AI-based updates for Calendar and Health. The details remain limited, but both apps are included among the parts of iOS 27 expected to be refreshed.
What is available while iOS 27 is still ahead
Apple has already released iOS 26.5 with smaller updates. In Maps, Suggested Places recommends locations based on recent searches, while RCS end-to-end encryption has been added after appearing in beta 26.4.
The update also includes a new option for moving iPhone messages when switching to Android so older message content can follow along. App Store users will see new information for in-app subscription packages, and Apple has also prepared a new Pride wallpaper collection with six designs.
Apple Music gains Playlist Playground, Concerts, and offline song identification in iOS 26.5. The update also adds a Reduce Bright Effects option in Accessibility, showing that Apple is continuing to refine the platform while the much larger iOS 27 overhaul takes shape.
