WWDC 2026 is set to become one of Apple’s most closely watched developer events in years, with the company under pressure to prove that its AI strategy can deliver on expectations. After earlier AI efforts drew criticism for delayed features and underwhelming technology, attention is now fixed on whether Apple can reset the narrative.
The center of that effort is expected to be a new version of Siri. Apple is also widely expected to show major software updates across its ecosystem, covering iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro, and other platforms.
Siri is expected to be the main attraction
According to Bloomberg, the internal name for the new Siri project is “Campo.” The assistant is reportedly being rebuilt from a traditional voice tool into an AI companion designed to help users complete tasks throughout the day on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
That overhaul is seen as Apple’s biggest attempt yet to make Siri relevant again in a market now shaped by modern AI assistants. Apple is also said to be labeling the new Siri internally as “beta” and “preview,” suggesting the company may present it as work still being refined.
The upgraded assistant is expected to understand what is currently visible on the user’s screen. It is also said to be able to navigate apps more deeply through voice commands.
Practical features under discussion include drafting emails based on specific topics and details. Siri is also expected to pull information from email, calendar, contacts, notes, and the web to help complete tasks.
Another notable function is its ability to check schedule availability before making appointments. It is also expected to detect calendar conflicts more effectively.
A new interface could change how Siri feels on iPhone
Apple is also reportedly preparing a fresh visual design for Siri on modern iPhones. Instead of appearing as a glowing effect along the edge of the screen, the assistant may open directly in Dynamic Island when activated.
When users ask for information, Siri is expected to show rich text cards with results tied to people, places, news, weather, sports scores, and more. That approach suggests Apple wants Siri to feel more visual and less dependent on voice alone.
Another interface change drawing attention is “Search or Ask,” which is said to be accessible by swiping down from the middle top of the iPhone. The experience is expected to combine app launching, web search, text messaging, weather, calendar management, notes, shortcuts, and AI assistance in one place.
It is also expected to surface Siri Suggestions, frequently used apps, recent searches, and contextual information such as weather updates. If launched, the feature would give Apple a more unified front end for everyday tasks.
Apple is pushing Siri closer to chatbot territory
The biggest shift may be Apple’s effort to turn Siri into something closer to ChatGPT and Gemini. Users are expected to be able to issue multiple commands at once and combine requests more naturally.
The new Siri app is also expected to include conversation history, iCloud sync across devices, photo support, and automatic chat deletion. Apple is additionally said to be preparing “Ask Siri,” a feature that would let users highlight text anywhere in iOS and send it to Siri for analysis.
Another feature called “Write with Siri” is reportedly in development to help with text creation across Apple operating systems. If announced, it would move Siri closer to productivity functions now common in rival AI services.
Google’s role and other AI updates may be significant
One of the most surprising reports is Apple’s reported partnership with Google. Apple is said to be relying on Google’s Gemini AI model as part of a multibillion-dollar deal, and Google is also expected to host much of the new Siri AI infrastructure on its servers.
Beyond Siri, Apple’s AI ambitions appear set to expand across many apps and services. Visual Intelligence is expected to gain major improvements, including the ability to recognize nutrition labels and contact information.
Photos may also receive new AI-based editing tools. Those include an Extend feature for generating content beyond the original frame and an Enhance tool for improving image quality and color, while the existing Clean Up tool is expected to be significantly upgraded.
Safari is reportedly getting an AI-powered Organise Tabs feature that automatically groups tabs into categories such as shopping, travel, and work. Apple is also said to be preparing Suggested Genmoji, which could automatically create Genmoji images from user photos and commonly used phrases.
Users may also be able to create custom wallpapers simply by describing what they want. Meanwhile, Shortcuts is expected to receive a major upgrade that would let users describe an automation in natural language and have AI build the shortcut.
Outside AI, Apple is expected to announce updates to notifications, Safari, the Camera app, keyboard animations, and other parts of iOS 27. The company is also expected to introduce iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27 during the keynote.
Most of the features announced at WWDC 2026 are expected to arrive later in the year alongside the next iPhone generation and other Apple devices. Some features may still change, slip, or arrive later depending on development progress before release.
