Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference is expected to become a major test of the company’s artificial intelligence strategy, with attention focused on a long-awaited Siri overhaul and new Apple Intelligence features across its operating systems.
WWDC 2026 kicks off Monday at 10 a.m. PT or 1 p.m. ET, with the event streaming through the Apple Developer app, Apple’s website, and the Apple Developer YouTube channel.
Apple’s keynote on June 8 is expected to spotlight updates to iOS, macOS, and the company’s other operating systems, while possibly including a major Siri upgrade.
The event comes at a sensitive moment for Apple as rivals such as OpenAI and Google continue to define the pace of consumer AI through chatbots and AI agents.
Siri expected to get its biggest upgrade yet
The biggest expected announcement is a new version of Siri designed to be more conversational and capable of handling more complex tasks.
According to TechCrunch, Siri’s anticipated AI makeover could make the assistant better at understanding context, handling multi-step tasks, and interacting more naturally across apps and services.
The revamped Siri will use Google’s Gemini technology to improve its capabilities, marking a notable partnership as Apple works to strengthen its AI features.
CNN reported that Apple is expected to reveal an all-new version of Siri that could bring the roughly 15-year-old virtual assistant closer to competitors such as ChatGPT and Gemini.
The new Siri could be the clearest sign yet of how Apple plans to reshape its products as more users turn to chatbots and AI agents for everyday tasks.
Apple Intelligence updates expected across apps
Beyond Siri, Apple is expected to show how Apple Intelligence will expand across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro ecosystem.
The Verge reported that Apple will likely introduce annual operating system updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, with possible additions including more AI features across Apple apps.
Apple may introduce a dedicated Siri app meant to compete with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Apple may allow users to set timers for automatically deleting conversations after 30 days, one year, or indefinitely.
The company is also expected to update its creative AI tools. Image Playground may receive higher-quality image generation, more artistic styles, better character consistency, and editing controls such as a “describe a change” option.
Camera, Wallet and AI agents may get attention
Apple may also bring AI more deeply into everyday apps.
A new Visual Intelligence section could appear inside the Camera app, replacing the previous Camera Control-based feature and adding a dedicated Siri mode beside options such as Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama.
Apple could add AI-generated wallpapers, new AI features in Apple Health, and a redesigned Image Playground app.
The company may also improve Wallet. Rumored Wallet updates include a bill-splitting feature that lets users photograph a receipt and generate payment requests, along with a “Create a Pass” option for turning physical tickets, concert passes, or gym cards into digital passes.
Analysts look for Apple’s clearer AI direction
The stakes are high because Apple has been criticized for moving more slowly than rivals in AI.
Apple’s Siri overhaul has faced delays and that some Apple Intelligence features announced in 2024 still have not arrived.
Gene Munster, co-founder and managing partner of Deepwater Asset Management, said that Apple has not done anything that really blows people away in AI.
For Apple CEO Tim Cook, WWDC 2026 may be an opportunity to answer growing investor and consumer questions about how Apple will compete in the AI era. CNET is also tracking WWDC 2026 live updates, reflecting the broad attention on Apple’s next software moves.
The event is not only about new features. It is about whether Apple can make Siri and Apple Intelligence feel essential inside the devices billions of people already use.
