WWDC 2026 Preview: Siri’s Massive Reboot and the Era of Apple Intelligence

Apple’s WWDC 2026 kicks off today, and if you’ve been waiting for the moment your iPhone actually starts acting “smart,” this is likely it. While this event is traditionally software-focused—meaning we shouldn’t hold our breath for new MacBooks or iPads—the updates coming to the devices already in our pockets are shaping up to be some of the most significant in years.

If you want to follow along live, the keynote starts at 10:00 AM PT (7:00 PM CEST). You can catch the official livestream on Apple’s website or YouTube, but here is the breakdown of the heavy hitters we’re expecting to see on stage.

The Main Event: Siri Finally Grows Up

Let’s be honest: Siri has felt a bit like a relic lately. While other digital assistants have moved into the world of generative AI, Siri has often struggled with basic context. That changes today. Apple has reportedly partnered with heavyweights like Nvidia and Google to rebuild Siri from the ground up using modern Large Language Models (LLMs).

According to the latest reports, here is what the “New Siri” will bring to the table:

• Deep App Integration: Siri will finally be able to reach into your apps to find specific information, rather than just pointing you to a web search.
• Contextual Awareness: It will understand what is happening on your screen. If you’re looking at a photo, you can ask Siri to “send this to Mom” without further explanation.
• Complex Tasking: You’ll be able to give multi-step commands, like “Find the PDF I received in Mail yesterday and save it to my Work folder in Files.”
• Email and Messaging Genius: Using your notes, calendar, and contacts, Siri can help draft professional or casual emails that actually sound like you.

Interestingly, it looks like Google’s Gemini AI might be doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes for some of these features. There are also rumors of a “Siri App Store” (Extensions) that would let you plug in third-party AI models like ChatGPT or Claude for specific tasks.

System-Wide AI Tools and “Genmojis”

Apple isn’t just limiting the AI magic to Siri. We’re expecting a new framework called CoreAI that allows every app on your phone to get smarter. For the creative types, Apple is introducing advanced AI image editing. Imagine being able to “uncrop” a photo to expand the background or use natural language to remove a photobomber from the sunset shot.

We’re also hearing about “Genmojis”—AI-generated emojis created on the fly based on what you’re typing—and dynamic AI wallpapers that change based on your mood or the time of day.

Refining the “Liquid Glass” Aesthetic

Last year, Apple introduced the “Liquid Glass” design language. It was bold, transparent, and… a bit polarizing. Some users complained about readability issues and eye strain. This year, Apple is expected to refine the UI, smoothing out those transparent effects and focusing on accessibility.

Expect some quality-of-life updates as well:

• Home Screen Flexibility: We might finally get a native “Undo/Redo” for home screen layout changes (no more accidentally ruining your folder setup).
• Customizable Controls: More power to change how your camera and lock screen shortcuts behave.
• Foldable Prep: We might see the first software hints for the rumored “iPhone Ultra” foldable.

Safari, Wallet, and watchOS 27

Safari is getting a facelift with a new start page and AI-powered tab groups that organize your browsing sessions automatically. Meanwhile, the Wallet app is becoming more versatile, allowing for custom tickets and a much-needed feature to split bills directly through Messages.

For those with an Apple Watch, watchOS 27 is leaning heavily into AI health tracking. Beyond just counting steps, the new OS will likely use camera-based monitoring for workouts and provide more predictive insights into your heart health and recovery metrics.

It’s going to be a packed keynote. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or just someone who wants their phone to be a little more helpful, WWDC 2026 is looking like the start of a very different era for the Apple ecosystem.