Apple used the opening of WWDC 2026 to emphasize software refinements and performance improvements before turning to its latest artificial intelligence features, including an upgraded Siri.
The keynote on Monday began with a focus on updates to existing products rather than headline AI announcements.
“Instead of just introducing a host of new features, we’re also taking the features you already rely on and making them even better, because we believe the best operating systems aren’t just built on big breakthroughs, they’re built on sweating the details,” Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, said during the presentation.
Changes to Liquid Glass
Apple revisited its Liquid Glass design language, introduced with iOS 26.
The company said it had received user feedback on the interface and announced additional customization options.
According to Shubham Kedia, Apple’s director of human interface design, users will be able to adjust the appearance with a slider that extends to a “fully tinted” setting.
Apple also announced:
- A redesigned toolbar in macOS.
- Refinements to app icons.
- Sharper visuals in clear mode.
“We really appreciate” the feedback users provided on Liquid Glass over the past year, Kedia said.
Performance improvements
Apple said several features have been made faster.
The company cited:
- iPhone and iPad apps launching up to 30% faster.
- New photos appearing in libraries up to 70% faster.
- AirDrop transfers running up to 80% faster.
Performance enhancements will extend to devices dating back to the iPhone 11, released in 2019.
Updates to search, messaging and connectivity
Apple announced improvements aimed at addressing everyday usability issues.
New additions include:
- Smoother switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- A message indicator showing when delivery is delayed.
- A rebuilt search system.
Apple said the updated search experience is:
- More stable.
- More efficient.
- More comprehensive.
New content will be indexed almost immediately, while Mail will rank the most relevant results higher.
Health and sharing features
The company added support for:
- Perimenopause tracking.
- Menopause tracking.
Apple also expanded compatibility for iCloud shared photo albums.
Users can now receive contributions from:
- Android devices.
- Windows devices.
Improved screen time controls for parents were also announced.
Siri enters beta later this year
After highlighting software updates, Apple introduced new AI capabilities led by an enhanced Siri.
The company said Siri will launch in beta later this year.
The rollout will exclude:
- The European Union.
- China.
Apple Intelligence additions
Apple announced several other AI features across its apps.
Safari will gain tools that can:
- Organize tabs.
- Analyze web pages.
- Monitor pages for updates.
- Generate custom extensions through text prompts.
Passwords and Safari will work together to suggest and apply stronger passwords automatically.
Messages is receiving AI-powered reply suggestions and photo recommendations based on conversation context.
Calendar will allow users to create events using natural language commands.
During phone calls, Apple Intelligence will be able to surface relevant information, such as confirmation codes.
Home, Photos and Image Playground
The Home app is getting AI-generated event summaries.
Apple also expanded image capabilities.
Image Playground updates include:
- More practical image generation.
- Photo editing improvements.
- Support for business flyers.
- An API for developers.
Photos is gaining tools that can:
- Remove unwanted objects.
- Expand image edges with generative AI.
- Reposition subjects using Spatial Reframing.
Apple said Spatial Reframing uses on-device spatial models and also works with older photos already stored in users’ libraries.
TL;DR
Apple opened WWDC 2026 by focusing on software fixes, performance gains and usability improvements before introducing new Apple Intelligence features, including an upgraded Siri that will enter beta later this year.
AI summary
- Apple prioritized software refinements at WWDC 2026.
- Liquid Glass received more customization options.
- Faster app launches, photo loading and AirDrop transfers were announced.
- Siri will enter beta later this year, excluding the EU and China.
- Apple Intelligence features are expanding across Safari, Messages, Photos and Home
