Apple launches Siri AI with on-device privacy, Google-powered models

Two years after first teasing Apple Intelligence, Apple finally delivered at WWDC 2026: Siri AI, described as an 'entirely new version' of the assistant. It features a more expressive, customizable voice (pace, expressivity, accent), systemwide awareness (reading on-screen content), and deep app integration for tasks like message drafting and calendar management. Queries are processed on-device or via Apple's Private Cloud Compute, with Apple emphasizing privacy at every step. Siri AI now has its own dedicated app (similar to ChatGPT or Claude), supporting text and voice conversations with saved history that syncs across devices via iCloud. It launches on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Vision Pro—with new access methods: swipe down from Dynamic Island, Spotlight search, and even a floating orb on Vision Pro that responds to your gaze without saying 'Hey, Siri.'

Beyond Siri, Apple overhauled Photos with AI editing: Clean Up removes objects, Extend expands image borders, and Spatial Reframing lets you adjust the camera angle (with SynthID watermarking for AI-edited photos). Safari gets smart tab grouping by topic and a Notify Me tool for price/ticket changes, plus automatic password fixing via integration with Passwords. Image Playground now supports more art styles and can generate wallpapers and Contact Posters, while Shortcuts lets you build complex automations with natural language prompts. Apple framed its late arrival as intentional—choosing to prioritize privacy and reliability over rushing AI features.