Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, running June 8 through 12, carries more weight than usual. It marks Tim Cook’s final keynote as CEO, a major Siri overhaul, and the first software signals that a foldable iPhone is coming.
The keynote kicks off June 8 under the theme “All Systems Glow,” Apple’s nod to AI.
The centerpiece is a fundamentally redesigned Siri, incorporating full chatbot capabilities and deeper app integration. Part of this upgrade is powered by Google’s Gemini AI models. Apple is positioning Siri as the primary interface layer for its entire ecosystem.
No new devices will be announced, but iOS 27 is expected to introduce foldable-friendly UI changes, including Split View-style multitasking. The rumored foldable device, “iPhone Ultra,” won't debut at WWDC, but the software tells developers to start building for it.
Tim Cook will transition to executive chairman on September 1, 2026. John Ternus, currently Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, will step into the CEO role. Cook has led Apple since Steve Jobs’ passing in 2011. His move to executive chairman suggests he’s not disappearing entirely.
Google providing Gemini models to power Siri creates a dependency that raises questions about long-term strategic independence. The leadership transition adds uncertainty. Ternus is respected internally but untested as a public-facing CEO.