For years, Siri struggled to understand users. On Monday, Apple unveiled a rebuilt version powered by Google's Gemini AI models. The new "Siri AI" was announced at WWDC 2026 in Cupertino on June 8.
Unlike the old Siri, the new assistant supports real conversations with longer, detailed answers. Users can ask questions on one device and continue on another through iCloud syncing. Siri AI can also perform actions across apps and includes a camera mode that recognizes what is on your screen and in the real world.
Apple promised that user data is only used to complete requests and outside experts can verify this claim. However, not everyone will get it immediately. The new Siri launches in beta later in 2026 in English, available in the United States and select countries. It will not be available in the European Union or China due to regulatory requirements.
Apple also announced iOS 27 with major speed improvements: photos load 70 percent faster and AirDrop transfers are 80 percent faster.
The keynote marked Tim Cook's farewell. Cook, who led Apple since 2011, is stepping down as chief executive on September 1, 2026. John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will succeed him. Ternus led engineering for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods and Apple Watch. Cook will become Executive Chairman.