Apple held its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026, which was notably the last for CEO Tim Cook. The event featured significant announcements, including the introduction of iOS 27, an updated macOS Golden Gate, and a revamped Siri AI developed in collaboration with Google.
Revamped Siri AI Takes Center Stage
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a completely reimagined Siri AI. Apple had previously attempted to launch an advanced version of Siri in 2024, but the rollout was met with criticism and user lawsuits due to unmet promises regarding its capabilities.
This time, Apple has made improvements and enlisted external assistance: the new Siri is built on Google’s Gemini platform, enhancing its contextual dialogue capabilities.
Additionally, users can now customize Siri’s voice, adjusting speech tempo, emotional expressiveness, and even accent. Insiders have confirmed that a fully autonomous Siri application is also in development.
Features of iOS 27: Compatibility and Customization
The latest mobile operating system, iOS 27, focuses on stability and interface enhancements. Notably, Apple has maintained support for older devices, with updates available for all models starting from the iPhone 11.
A key visual update includes a customization feature for the Liquid Glass interface, which faced criticism last year for its readability issues. iOS 27 introduces a transparency slider, allowing users to adjust the opacity of tab panels and menus.
Music enthusiasts will also be pleased to learn that AirPods will finally offer a fully customizable equalizer, enabling users to adjust bass, midrange, and treble frequencies according to their preferences.
New Features in macOS Golden Gate
The desktop operating system for Mac, named macOS 27 Golden Gate, received less emphasis than in previous presentations, focusing instead on cross-platform features. Alongside the shared transparency slider, the update brings back the original colors for menu sidebars and icons, moving away from the previous monochrome design.
Apple has also prioritized child safety online, implementing a strict filter in the Safari browser for users under 13 that requires parental approval to access questionable websites.
Protests Outside Apple Park
However, the event was not without controversy. Protests took place outside Apple Park, organized by advocacy groups UltraViolet and Heat Initiative. Demonstrators called on future CEO John Ternus to enforce stricter regulations on the App Store and iCloud.
The activists are demanding a complete ban on applications that utilize AI for nudity detection and stronger algorithms to block illegal content, urging the new leadership to take greater responsibility for societal impacts.
Apple's WWDC 2026 showcased significant updates, including a new Siri AI, iOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, while protests highlighted ongoing concerns about app regulations. Tim Cook's final keynote marked a pivotal moment for the tech giant.