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With WWDC 2026 set to kick off on June 8, it could be one of the most pivotal moments for Apple for a number of reasons. Software has always been a big focus for the developers conference and it’ll certainly be the case here, especially when it centers around Apple Intelligence.
Despite the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup and iOS 26 last fall, Apple Intelligence didn’t quite get as much attention. But that could change with WWDC 2026, where we could finally get the Gemini-powered Siri that's so eagerly anticipated. And with Tim Cook handing over the reins to John Ternus in September, this could be the last time Cook helms an Apple event.
Article continues belowWWDC 2026 expected announcements
- Previews for the latest iterations s of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS software
- New Gemini-powered Siri assistant
- More Apple Intelligence features
- ‘Charismatic’ smart home OS
- Touchscreen support for macOS
WWDC 2026: When is it?
Apple’s 37th annual Worldwide Developers Conference will run from June 8 to 12, with the keynote taking place on Monday, June 8. While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the exact start time for the presentation, it typically begins at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. The event will be held at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA.
How to watch WWDC 2026
In addition to the live keynote that should take place on June 8, you’re likely to watch the entire event unfold online as it happens. As in previous years, Apple streamed the presentation through its website, the Apple Developer app, and its YouTube channel.
iOS 27: Gemini-powered Siri is finally coming
Last year’s iOS 26 introduced a fresh aesthetic with the Liquid Glass design language, but iOS 27 is shaping up to be the true coming-out party for Apple Intelligence. Most notably, Apple has already promised that a Gemini-powered Siri will debut this year, giving iPhone users plenty of reason to be excited.
With Google’s help, Siri could finally be turbocharged to offer the same multimodal performance we see in rival chatbots. Many of the best Android phones already have access to Gemini Live, so the real test will be seeing how Apple integrates that power into the Siri experience.
We’ve already seen the Galaxy S26 introduce advanced task automation that allows users to perform complex actions — like placing a Dunkin’ Donuts order through DoorDash via voice — and it’s highly likely Siri will gain a similar capability for the iPhone.
Another intriguing prospect for WWDC 2026 is how iOS 27 might adapt to more expansive displays. This would be the perfect time to tease the long-rumored iPhone Fold. Considering that the software will eventually need to support different form factors, we’re curious to see if Apple introduces new multitasking features to handle that extra screen real estate.
Apple Intelligence
Beyond the new Siri, it’s anyone’s guess as to what other new Apple Intelligence features will accompany iOS 27. Last year’s iOS 26 saw minor additions, like Visual Intelligence integrated with the screenshot function, but Apple can’t afford another thin showing.
The leaks have been light so far, with a report hinting at a big push for more AI-based photo editing tools that would expand on the current Image Playground and Photo Clean Up tools it offers. One of these rumored features would be an extend function that would use generative AI to create additional images beyond the original photo's frame.
However, there's still a lot more that Apple Intelligence need to catch up with the competition. We’ve already compared the iOS 26 Call Screen feature against the Pixel 10 Pro’s version, but Apple still lacks several AI tools that define the competition — like the following below.
- Pro Res Zoom that enhances zoom photos on the Pixel 10 Pro.
- How the Galaxy S26’s Now Nudge proactively makes suggestions based on what you’re doing.
- Replicating your voice for translation in another language with a phone call on the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
More importantly, it’ll be interesting to see how Apple manages its shifting alliances. While it recently integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT into CarPlay, the bigger story is how Apple is now tapping Google Gemini to save Siri. Seeing how Apple balances its relationship with OpenAI while relying on Google’s infrastructure will be one of the most fascinating storylines of the keynote.
macOS 27
One of the biggest surprises so far this year was the March launch of the MacBook Neo, a move that signaled Apple’s willingness to aggressively expand its hardware lineup. We expect many of the Apple Intelligence enhancements slated for iOS 27 to trickle down to the Mac, but there is one particular nugget we’re watching for during the macOS 27 reveal.
We’re referring to the potential for a touchscreen MacBook Pro. The rumors suggest a debut could happen as early as late 2026 or 2027. If true, macOS 27 would need to introduce radical UI changes to accommodate touch functionality.
iPadOS 27
Considering how closely iOS and macOS are now intertwined, iPadOS 27 should be greeted with the same core software enhancements. This means the update will undoubtedly include the new Gemini-powered Siri and the latest Apple Intelligence tools, but we also expect an expansion of the Continuity features that bridge Apple’s entire device portfolio.
While you can already use an iPad as a second monitor for a Mac via Sidecar, a shift toward software optimized for foldable displays could usher in a new era of cross-device synergy. If Apple teases a foldable interface at WWDC 2026, it would likely coincide with even more powerful Continuity features designed to bridge the ecosystem more seamlessly than ever before.
watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and more
As for the rest of Apple’s software ecosystem, the headline feature for watchOS 27 and tvOS 27 will undoubtedly be the new Siri. This upgraded, Gemini-powered assistant could be leveraged to offer highly personalized experiences across every screen. For the Apple Watch, this could mean better-tailored workout plans based on your recent biometric data. Meanwhile, tvOS 27 could mean smarter content recommendations that finally understand natural, conversational requests.
While leaks for these specific updates have been relatively quiet, the most intriguing rumors point to a brand-new smart home platform internally codenamed "Charismatic." This new homeOS is set to compete directly with Alexa and Google Home.
Reports suggest it will power a long-rumored HomePod featuring a built-in display and camera. This new smart home OS would seemingly work hand-in-hand with tvOS 27 to enable distance-aware features — such as automatically changing Apple TV's layout or surfacing specific content based on who the device senses in the room.
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