Siri AI, Screen Time, and the rest of WWDC 2026: The Vergecast Livestream

The hosts discuss how this year's WWDC was unprecedented in its chaotic nature. Unlike previous years where Apple announced operating system updates in a predictable order, this year, they announced all OSs simultaneously, with minimal naming or detailed information, creating confusion among the reporters. The energy was chaotic, with demos being disjointed and the presentation deviating from the usual straightforward format.

AI was the dominant theme of the keynote, marking a shift where it took center stage over traditional OS updates. The hosts note that Apple seems to be playing catch-up in AI, integrating features that competitors already offer, but emphasizing its unique privacy advantages. Discussions highlight the balance between useful AI features and those perceived as creepy, with skepticism about the true innovation from Apple versus mere rebranding of existing technologies like Gemini.

Apple introduced a new, more expressive Siri voice and a beta version of Siri AI coming later in the year. The new voice demo was widely considered awkward and cringeworthy, exemplifying the challenge of making AI voices feel natural. Additionally, Apple showcased Siri's new physical form as a 3D orb on Vision Pro, though critics likened it to a gelatinous, unconvincing sphere, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to create endearing, realistic AI personas.

The hosts explore features like Siri app intents, Spotlight search improvements, and AI-powered tools that enhance everyday tasks—such as managing photos, emails, and Safari extensions. They note that some AI features, like parsing photos or organizing in Messages, seem ready and useful, but question whether these are significant innovations or just incremental improvements packaged as AI.

Discussions revolve around Apple's emphasis on privacy and their refusal to store user data in the cloud for AI features, which differentiates it from competitors. The hosts critique Apple's handling of app regulation, parental controls, and the potential for regulatory pressure, especially regarding third-party apps like Groc. They recognize Apple's cautious approach in avoiding overt conflicts, yet acknowledge the inherent tensions between platform control and open regulation.

Apple announced dropping support for many older devices, including recent Macs and Apple Watches, raising concerns about platform fragmentation and device obsolescence. The hosts speculate that AI capabilities and hardware limitations are driving this shift and discuss the risk of alienating users who may be forced to upgrade, thereby impacting Apple's reputation for long-term device support.

The hosts highlight some promising features coming soon, such as Liquid Glass opacity adjustments, improved Screen Time controls, faster AirDrop, smarter Wi-Fi management, and practical AI enhancements integrated into Messages and photos. They emphasize that many of these are incremental yet impactful improvements designed to enhance daily user experience.