Tim Cook's Final WWDC Puts Siri and Apple's AI Plan on Trial

Apple opens its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday (June 8) with software and artificial intelligence taking center stage. The keynote starts at 10 a.m. Pacific Time at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

This event carries unusual weight for investors and developers watching Apple's AI direction. According to CNBC, Apple needs to convince both groups that Siri and Apple Intelligence are worth building for.

The software previewed Monday will ship alongside new hardware in the fall, not now. CNBC reports that Apple rarely releases new iPhones during the summer keynote window.

A central question is how Apple frames its Siri overhaul this year. CNBC notes Apple will reveal more of its AI strategy, including a partnership to use Google's Gemini models.

That partnership has already moved the market in Apple's favor. According to CNBC, Apple stock neared record highs after the Google AI deal was announced in January.

The keynote also marks a leadership milestone for the company. MacRumors reports this is likely the final event for Tim Cook before John Ternus becomes CEO on September 1.

Cook signaled the moment with a lighthearted lead-in shared online. MacRumors says he posted a short video featuring Lainey Wilson, Rhea Seehorn, Zedd, and others saying good morning.

CNET readers expect the incoming CEO to appear on stage during the keynote. According to CNET, 96% of readers believe John Ternus will speak on Monday.

What readers expect from the keynote

Predictions also point to a heavy emphasis on Apple Intelligence throughout the presentation. CNET reports the median reader guess for mentions was 26, while the average reached 68.

The Apple Watch software is another area readers are watching closely. According to CNET, 89% of readers expect the next watchOS update to add an AI health coach.

Naming conventions for the Mac operating system remain unsettled this year. CNET reports slightly over 9% of readers think macOS 27 may drop its usual California nickname.

Timing for public testing of the new iPhone software is also in question. According to CNET, 53% of readers expect the iOS 27 public beta to arrive in June.

CNBC reporters are on the ground in Cupertino to track each announcement live. The company will cover iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS, plus developer impact, per CNBC.

The stakes reach beyond a single product cycle for the company. Apple must show a credible plan to win in AI while reassuring a developer base it depends on.