Apple WWDC 2026 kicked off on June 9, and it might be the most AI-focused developer conference Apple has ever held.
Siri AI: 15 Years in the Making
The new Siri AI is getting a standalone app for the first time, letting users manage conversation history and enable auto-clear for privacy. More importantly, Siri now integrates deeply with apps via the App Intents framework -- reading emails, calendars, and screen content to execute real multi-step tasks.
Key changes:
- Standalone Siri app competing directly with ChatGPT
- Dynamic Island integration with "Search or Ask" prompt
- Cross-app automation via App Intents
- AI writing assistant built into the keyboard
iOS 27: The Snow Leopard Strategy
iOS 27 is following the 2009 macOS Snow Leopard philosophy -- focus on quality and performance, not feature additions. Engineers are fixing bugs, replacing legacy code, and rewriting parts of the OS.
Practical benefits:
- Extended battery life for older iPhones
- Camera app with built-in visual intelligence for real-time translation
- New Safari start page with organized tabs
- Image Playground supporting more third-party AI image models
Why This Matters for Developers
The expansion of the App Intents framework is the biggest opportunity. If Siri can deeply invoke third-party apps, every app needs to redesign its "AI interface" -- creating a huge new development opportunity window.
Tim Cook is leaving WWDC with AI as his farewell gift. It may be the right way to close a chapter.
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