At this year’s WWDC, Apple plans to announce the latest versions of its operating systems and a slew of AI-enabled features.
Apple’s annual developers conference is around the corner, and the iPhone maker is expected to unveil its latest software developments across multiple operating systems. To no one’s surprise, artificial intelligence and AI-powered upgrades will play a key role at this year’s WWDC. Much of the Apple software news over the past few months has revolved around AI and how it can enhance apps such as Siri.
What also makes WWDC26 particularly significant is that it will likely be the last time Tim Cook takes the stage as Apple CEO at a developers conference before being succeeded by John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. Cook is set to officially step down on September 1, though he will remain with Apple as executive chairman.
When does WWDC26 begin, and how to watch
WWDC26 will kick off on Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m. PT. The event begins with the keynote, where Apple will provide more details about its upcoming operating systems and the AI-driven features we’re about to see across its products.
The event’s livestream will be available on Apple’s official website, the Apple TV app, and the Apple YouTube channel.
iOS 27 may be all about an upgraded Siri
Apple is unlikely to make substantial changes to iOS 27’s aesthetics, as the operating system was already revamped with the Liquid Glass interface. However, some minor tweaks could still be on the way. This year’s WWDC, though, is expected to focus largely on Siri and how it can be enhanced with AI.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported earlier this year that Apple is working on a standalone Siri app that would transform the company’s voice assistant into a chatbot-style service. Gurman added that the upgraded Siri is set to become the “centerpiece of its [Apple] next iPhone, iPad and Mac software updates.” The Siri chatbot app is reportedly powered by Gemini AI models and may also support integration with third-party AI agents.
macOS 27 brings subtle improvements
macOS 27 also received the controversial Liquid Glass design last year, but the new interface did not resonate well with some Mac users, raising concerns about usability. According to Mark Gurman’s report, Apple does not plan to ditch Liquid Glass in macOS 27, but it is expected to introduce a “slight redesign” and address issues related to shadows and transparency effects. The operating system is also expected to gain several AI-driven features, including the standalone Siri app.
New features for iPadOS 27 and watchOS 27 may be on the way
iPadOS 27 received a major AI boost last year, including live translation and text summaries powered by Apple Intelligence. This year, significant changes are not expected, although Apple may still have some new AI-powered features in development for iPad users.
As for watchOS 27, the addition of new AI features is anticipated, and Apple may make some of its health-monitoring capabilities more reliant on AI. The new watchOS could also introduce new watch faces and other general improvements.
While there have been rumors about the possible launch of an upgraded Mac mini or even a foldable iPhone at WWDC26, such announcements remain unlikely given the event’s strong focus on software. However, some of the software features unveiled at WWDC26 could help lay the groundwork for future Apple hardware.
