WWDC: Apple turns to Google as Siri gets overhaul, this is what you need to know

Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Apple, speaks during the Worldwide Developers Conference. Picture: Edelson / AFP Apple has unveiled a sweeping artificial intelligence overhaul of Siri for the iPhone, turning to Google for help after stumbling on its first attempt two years ago, as tech giants race to pour billions into AI. The presentation on Monday marked CEO Tim Cook’s final appearance at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, will hand the reins to longtime executive John Ternus in September 2026. The software updates revealed at WWDC will launch alongside new hardware later this year, setting the stage for a leadership transition at a critical moment in Apple’s AI strategy. Two years ago, Cook announced “Apple Intelligence” at WWDC 2024, pledging a bold leap into artificial intelligence.

But the rollout faltered, with a much‑anticipated Siri upgrade failing to materialise. The misstep drew customer frustration and even a lawsuit in the United States, which Apple settled earlier this year. Monday’s event sought to reset that narrative, positioning Apple as cautious rather than behind.

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Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, emphasised restraint. “AI is incredibly powerful technology with the potential to shape society in profound ways, and with proper care, unlock meaningful benefits for people everywhere,” he said. “Still, some appear to be racing forward, seemingly pursuing AI for the sake of AI, without clear regard for the people… that it’s ultimately meant to serve.” The new Siri AI is designed to communicate more naturally, track information across apps such as Maps and Mail, and perform systemwide tasks.

A dedicated Siri app will allow users to revisit past conversations, synced privately via iCloud. However, Apple confirmed the assistant will not be available initially in China and parts of Europe due to regulatory hurdles. Some features, including image generation, will carry daily usage limits because they rely on powerful server models.

Apple Intelligence updates extend across core apps. Safari gains a Notify Me feature to track changes on web pages, such as restocks or price drops.

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