Apple unveils AI-upgraded Siri and ‘Class of ’27’ operating systems at WWDC 2026
The WWDC 2026 keynote revealed a major strategic shift, introducing Siri AI, performance boosts, and refined design interfaces across Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple has unveiled its “Class of ’27” operating systems at its WWDC 2026 keynote, marking a significant pivot in its software strategy with the introduction of iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and updates for iPadOS, watchOS, and visionOS. Central to the announcement is an AI-upgraded Siri, developed in collaboration with Google, which introduces personalised assistance, on-screen awareness, and a standalone application. The update also addresses previous user feedback by refining the Liquid Glass design interface, specifically rolling back contentious corner radiuses to improve readability and visual clarity.
Siri AI, described by Apple AI head Mike Rockwell as offering back-and-forth conversations with detailed answers, utilises on-screen awareness to pull context directly from the display. The assistant is accessible via a swipe down from the Dynamic Island, with responses appearing in that same interface. iOS 27 introduces a “Siri Mode” within the Camera app for object recognition, while macOS 27 Golden Gate integrates Siri into the Spotlight menu for direct questioning and file selection. A standalone Siri AI app has been launched to allow users to access their conversation history across iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro devices.
Performance enhancements were a key focus of the announcement, with Apple claiming up to 80 per cent faster AirDrop transfers. The company also noted that photos will appear in the camera roll up to 70 per cent faster, while messages in Mail and playback in Apple Music will load and start more quickly. These speed improvements are part of a broader refresh that includes redesigned app icons for macOS and tighter window corner radiuses, alongside the return of colourful sidebar icons.
The operating systems bring substantial updates to core applications. Safari receives AI-driven tab management to organise webpages by topic, a “Notify Me” feature for webpage changes, and the ability to create extensions using natural language. The Home app can now generate descriptions of camera clips, stitch footage from multiple cameras using AI, and support 4K resolution viewing. Additionally, Messages will suggest photos based on conversation context, and Phone will display relevant information, such as flight codes, at the start of calls.
Apple has also redesigned its parental control system, allowing parents to restrict app and content access and require permission for new website visits. The Screen Time menu has been updated to make managing device usage easier, while Image Playground allows for AI edits such as composition changes and distraction removal. iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and later models, incorporating an opacity slider for the Liquid Glass design to give users greater control over the interface’s visual intensity.
