Apple is preparing to hold its annual developer conference, WWDC 2026, on Monday, June 8. This edition is especially highly anticipated because, by all indications, it will mark the true arrival of Apple Intelligence — the Cupertino company's AI strategy. Here is an overview of everything you need to know before the big day.

A highly anticipated global event

Every year, WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) is Apple's major event for presenting the next versions of its operating systems: iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and visionOS. In 2026, the keynote conference will take place on Monday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. French time (10:00 a.m. Pacific time), live from Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

Broadcast free of charge on Apple's website and on YouTube, this keynote should last about two hours. It will be followed by a week of technical sessions for developers around the world, who can attend in person or remotely.

Siri reinvented thanks to Gemini

The topic generating the most discussion ahead of WWDC 2026 is undoubtedly the complete overhaul of Siri. After years of criticism over the limits of Apple's voice assistant, the company finally seems ready to make a major move.

A strategic partnership with Google

In January 2026, Apple officially announced an unexpected partnership with Google to integrate Gemini technology into the core of its voice assistant. The new Siri is expected to rely on a personalized model based on Gemini technology, while running through Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure to ensure data privacy. Requests would therefore not pass directly through Google's servers.

This technological choice marks a major turning point for Apple, which had until now developed its own AI models entirely in-house. The company is thus acknowledging that it cannot do everything alone in the field of generative artificial intelligence.

A completely redesigned interface

The new Siri will feature a dark theme (dark mode) aligned with the visual identity of WWDC 2026. Activating it will no longer require the traditional long press on the side button: a new "Search or Ask" gesture will bring up a text and voice interface anchored directly in the iPhone's Dynamic Island.

Among the expected features:

• Personal contextual awareness: Siri will be able to read your emails, calendar and files to provide truly relevant answers.
• Screen awareness: Siri will understand what is displayed on the screen and act accordingly, without the user having to explain everything again.

iOS 27 and the new Apple Intelligence features

iOS 27 is shaping up to be the most ambitious release in years when it comes to artificial intelligence. Apple Intelligence, introduced in 2024 but rolled out slowly since then, should finally show its full potential.

Apple Intelligence across all apps

Apple Intelligence features are expected to expand to new native applications. Wallet, Safari and Shortcuts will be among the first to benefit. The iOS 27 keyboard will also gain a significantly improved autocorrect system, and Apple Maps is expected to integrate satellite connectivity for areas not covered by conventional mobile networks.

A revolutionary extensions framework

One of the most anticipated announcements is the introduction of an Extensions Framework, available on iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. This system would allow users to choose which AI engine powers Siri, Writing Tools and Image Playground:

• Claude (Anthropic)
• Gemini (Google)
• ChatGPT (OpenAI)

An unprecedented opening for Apple, which has long kept its ecosystem closed. This decision reflects a new flexibility and a willingness to adapt to users' preferences rather than impose a single solution.

The other operating systems updated

Alongside iOS 27, Apple is expected to present several major updates:

• iPadOS 27 will take advantage of the new AI extensions framework and bring productivity improvements, especially for iPad Pro users.
• macOS 27 will integrate the same Apple Intelligence advances, with optimizations for Apple Silicon chips and a partial redesign of certain system apps.
• watchOS 27 and visionOS 27 should also receive their share of new features, even though the details remain unclear at this stage.

On the hardware side: possible updates

Although WWDC is primarily a software conference, hardware announcements remain possible. Sources point to an update of the Mac Studio lineup with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, as well as a new Mac mini M5 and M5 Pro. The iMac could also be in line for an update, although global RAM shortages could push some launches to later in the year.

Rumors also mention a new Apple TV and a refreshed HomePod mini, which reliable sources say are "almost ready" to launch.

Why this WWDC is crucial for Apple

WWDC 2026 represents a pivotal moment for Apple's AI strategy. The Apple Intelligence features announced at WWDC 2024 had been delayed, creating disappointment among users and investors. Two years later, Apple must prove that its vision for AI — centered on privacy and deep integration into the ecosystem — can compete with offerings from Google, Microsoft and OpenAI.

The financial markets confirm it: Morgan Stanley describes this WWDC as a "key catalyst" for Apple stock (AAPL), which will have to demonstrate its ability to reposition itself in the artificial intelligence race. The question now is whether Apple can finally deliver what it promises.

"iOS 27 is shaping up to be the true birth conference for Apple Intelligence, two years after its initial announcement."

Tune in on June 8 at 7:00 p.m. (French time) to watch the Apple WWDC 2026 keynote live on apple.com and YouTube. It will very likely be one of the most important tech events of the year.