Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 8 to June 12, 2026. Streamed via the Apple Developer app, Apple's website, and YouTube, the event featured keynotes and sessions announcing new software features across its platforms.
The conference was CEO Tim Cook's final keynote before John Ternus succeeds him on September 1, 2026.
Major Software Updates
macOS 27 Golden Gate
Apple announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, the successor to macOS Tahoe 26. The update is compatible only with Macs on Apple silicon and will not support Intel-based Macs.
Design Changes
- A Liquid Glass slider allows users to adjust UI transparency from maximum transparency to heavily frosted.
- Window corner radii have been standardized and are less rounded than in macOS Tahoe.
- Sidebar icons have regained color and are now edge-to-edge instead of floating.
- The battery icon has been replaced with a new design from iOS.
Search and Performance
- Search has been rebuilt with a new indexing architecture for Spotlight, Photos, and Mail.
- Apple claims faster search indexing and improved memory/CPU usage.
- System wallpapers feature curved shapes forming a stylized "27" in light and dark versions.
iOS 27
iOS 27 will be available for devices from iPhone 11 onward. Apple reports performance improvements including 70% faster photo loading, 80% faster AirDrop transfers, and improved CPU schedulers for multitasking.
Home Screen and Sound
- Full-screen widgets are now supported.
- Separate volume levels can be set for alarms, timers, alerts, and system sounds.
Feature Updates
- Clipboard: Copying text or images prompts a paste option on the keyboard.
- Weather app: Redesigned with a highlights section and easier switching between views.
- Messages: Voice recording or dictation buttons can be customized or hidden.
- Camera: Overhauled controls with accessible depth, grid, and level options.
- Find My: Location can be hidden from a specific person for a set time without notification.
watchOS 27
Improvements to heart rate tracking and fitness tracking are included.
Siri and Apple Intelligence
Siri AI Overhaul
Siri received a major update powered by Google's Gemini models. New features include a standalone Siri app with chat history and text-based interactions. Users can create shortcuts based on descriptions, set auto-deletion timers for conversations, and use voice or text input.
Integration Across Apps
- Siri AI queries can be typed into Spotlight.
- Visual Intelligence: Available with a dedicated keyboard shortcut, allowing users to screenshot schedules to add calendar events or ask questions about products.
- Writing Tools: Revamped to understand communication style per contact.
Availability and Privacy
- Siri AI is initially available in English for developers via waitlist.
- Not available in the EU and China initially due to regulatory hurdles.
- Apple Senior Vice President Craig Federighi stated user data is used only to execute requests.
Apple Intelligence Features
- Shortcuts: Users can describe a desired shortcut, and Siri AI will create it.
- Photos: Generative AI for aspect ratio changes, tilt adjustments, and "Reframe" tool for perspective shift.
- Safari: AI-powered tab grouping and "Notify Me" alerts for page updates.
- Messages: AI-powered reply suggestions and context-based quick action suggestions.
- Mail: Context-based quick action suggestions and improved search.
- Image Playground: Updated with more styles, editing tools, and new APIs. Apple stated it will not train on user-generated photos.
- Systemwide Dictation: Corrects spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
App and Feature Updates
Apple Wallet
- Bill-splitting feature: Users can photograph a receipt and generate payment requests.
- "Create a Pass" option: Users can digitize physical items like tickets and membership cards.
- Custom pass creation is now available.
Parental Controls
New tools allow parents to control contacts, apps, and website access. "Ask to Browse" and "Ask to Buy" will be default for children under 13.
Health App
Cycle tracking now includes perimenopause and menopause support.
App Store Changes
Developers can offer subscription bundles with other developers, and personalized recommendations will appear based on user behavior.
Subdomain Registration
Apple registered the subdomain genai.apple.com ahead of WWDC 2026. The subdomain does not yet lead to a live web page. It appears to reference "generative AI."
Developer Resources
The conference included over 100 video sessions, group labs for live Q&A with Apple engineers, and the Apple Design Awards with 36 finalists in categories including Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics.
The Swift Student Challenge selected 350 winners, including 50 Distinguished Winners invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience.