With less than a month until Apple's 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), well-known tech journalist Mark Gurman has revealed key details about iOS 27: Siri will return as a standalone app in the new system codenamed "Rave," marking the first time in its 15-year history that Siri regains a dedicated app entry point.
The new version of Siri is positioned as an all-day online intelligent agent, featuring a chatbot-like interface that supports conversation history, file uploads, and content pinning. Its interaction logic is highly similar to ChatGPT and Gemini. The deep integration with the Dynamic Island is also worth noting — when calling up Siri, the Dynamic Island will expand and display the "Search or Ask" option. A new global gesture has been added to trigger a system-level search panel by swiping down from the center top of the screen. The search bar also allows users to switch between different AI engines such as Siri, ChatGPT, and Gemini with one click, marking the first time Apple has opened up system-level AI selection to users.
In terms of models, Apple reached a multi-year partnership with Google in January 2026. The next generation of base models will be built on the Gemini model and cloud technology, supporting Apple's intelligent features including the new version of Siri. This shift marks Apple's compromise from a "full-stack self-research" approach to a "platform open" strategy, aiming to supplement its shortcomings by integrating external AI capabilities while maintaining control over privacy and security.
In addition, the Camera app will also undergo a comprehensive upgrade, allowing users to customize which functions are displayed and their layout positions, including options such as flash, exposure, timer, and resolution controls.
On the financial side, Apple's second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year performed strongly, with total revenue reaching $111.184 billion, an increase of 17% year-over-year. Net profit was $29.6 billion, up 19.4% year-over-year, both setting records for the second quarter in history. Revenue in the China region reached $20.497 billion, up 28.09% year-over-year, leading all global regions in growth rate.
However, users in China will still need to wait patiently to experience the new Siri and Apple Intelligence. The final launch date depends on the progress of regulatory approvals. If it goes smoothly, it could further strengthen Apple's competitive advantage in the high-end smartphone market in China.
