Apple is preparing a massive software overhaul for its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2026, with iOS 27 taking center stage . The highly anticipated iOS 27 update will introduce a modernized software framework, completely revamp the company’s virtual assistant, and lay the groundwork for new foldable hardware .
At the core of these iOS 27 updates is a deliberate pivot in how Apple handles artificial intelligence . The tech giant plans to replace its long-standing Core ML framework with a new system branded as Core AI . This shift, alongside major performance optimizations and a smarter Siri, highlights Apple’s effort to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technology landscape .
Core AI Replaces Core ML
Apple is officially retiring the term “machine learning,” viewing it as outdated for both developers and consumers . To reflect this modernization, the company will introduce Core AI across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 . While the general purpose remains similar to Core ML, the new Core AI framework will make it significantly easier for developers to integrate outside artificial intelligence models into their applications without building complex tools from scratch .
According to Bloomberg, Core AI will allow developers to seamlessly embed both third-party AI models and Apple Foundation Models into their software . This framework will likely exist alongside Core ML during a transitional period . By relying on modern AI technologies, Apple aims to reduce the need for external third-party resources, ultimately delivering more capable experiences across its device ecosystem .
A Smarter Siri and Apple Intelligence
After facing development delays, Apple is using iOS 27 as a second chance to deliver its promised Apple Intelligence features . The company is developing a major upgrade for Siri under the code name “Camp” . This initiative aims to improve the virtual assistant’s ability to utilize personal data and execute complex, cross-app controls .
With this update, Siri is expected to understand conversational context better, analyze on-screen information, and perform multi-step actions like editing a photo, moving files, or sharing an estimated time of arrival . Apple is also reportedly developing a distinct “Siri chatbot” designed to function similarly to ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini . This chatbot could summarize web results, analyze files, and generate images through the Image Playground feature . To power some of these advanced capabilities, Apple is expected to leverage Google’s Gemini models alongside its own technology .
Software Support for the iPhone Fold
The iOS 27 release will not just upgrade existing phones; it must also support Apple’s rumored foldable smartphone, expected to launch in September . The device, widely referred to as the iPhone Fold, is reported to feature a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal screen that opens like a book .
To accommodate this hardware, Apple is building expansive screen interfaces directly into iOS 27, rather than relying on iPadOS . The software will reportedly utilize a wider 4-to-3 aspect ratio and feature left-hand sidebars in native applications . When unfolded, the interface will operate similarly to an iPad, offering side-by-side multitasking designed to make the larger digital canvas feel coherent .
Liquid Glass UI and System Refinements
Despite mixed user reactions and the departure of key design executives, Apple is doubling down on its Liquid Glass user interface . Initially introduced with visionOS and brought to iOS 26, the controversial design will remain a staple in iOS 27 . However, Apple may introduce a systemwide slider that allows users to manually adjust the intensity of the glass effect .
Beyond visual changes, iOS 27 is being treated as a “Snow Leopard-style” release . This means a heavy emphasis will be placed on code clean-up, system stability, energy efficiency, and overall performance . Additional planned features include artificial intelligence integration for the Calendar and Health apps to analyze user data and provide recommendations . Apple is also expanding its satellite capabilities to include Apple Maps via satellite and offline photo sharing in the Messages app .
Upcoming M5 Mac Studio Hardware
While iOS 27 will dominate the software announcements, WWDC 2026 is also expected to feature major hardware reveals . Apple is anticipated to unveil a new Mac Studio powered by the M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors . The M5 Max will feature an 18-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU, while the M5 Ultra could double that performance with up to 36 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores .
Consumers should prepare for potential price increases across the desktop lineup . A global surge in demand for AI hardware has constrained memory supplies and driven up component costs . As a result, the base model Mac Studio may see a price hike, though Apple is expected to offset this by increasing the starting storage capacity from 512GB to 1TB .
