Apple unveils Siri AI with new gestures and Visual Intelligence at WWDC 2026
Siri AI integrates with iOS 27, offering enhanced search capabilities and a dedicated history app, with a public launch expected this autumn.
Apple has announced Siri AI, a significant upgrade to its virtual assistant, during the WWDC 2026 keynote. The update introduces a new interface gesture for invocation, replacing the previous double-tap method with a swipe down from the top centre of the screen. This change aligns the activation process with the existing method for accessing Spotlight search, aiming to streamline user interaction across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
The new system features a monochrome visual design, discarding the multi-coloured glowing effects of earlier iterations. Upon activation, a black droplet animation follows the user’s finger before revealing a search bar. The interface integrates deeply with Spotlight search and includes a dedicated app for conversation history, which stores selected queries in a card-based layout rather than logging every command. Apple has indicated that one-off exchanges, such as setting timers, will not be saved, with the system deciding which conversations warrant retention.
Siri AI also enhances Visual Intelligence capabilities, allowing users to analyse screen content directly. On Macs, new keyboard shortcuts enable the assistant to interpret entire screens or specific selections, offering actions such as image search or calendar additions. On mobile devices, the camera app now includes a dedicated Siri mode, accessible via the viewfinder options, expanding the assistant’s ability to process visual data in real-time.
Beta access for Siri AI is available for iOS 27, with a public launch scheduled for the fall. The rollout follows the release of iOS 27, which initially focused on minor interface tweaks and utility improvements. Apple plans to expand language support beyond English as the beta progresses, with users able to opt in through the Apple Intelligence settings on supported devices.
Regional availability remains restricted due to regulatory considerations. In the European Union, Siri AI is limited to Macs, Vision Pros, and Apple Watches, with mobile devices excluded while Apple works to meet compliance requirements. The feature is entirely excluded in China, where the company is navigating local regulatory frameworks. These limitations highlight the ongoing challenges in deploying advanced AI features across different jurisdictions.
