Cupertino, California: Apple has outlined its vision for the next phase of artificial intelligence across its ecosystem, unveiling an upgraded Siri alongside a range of software enhancements designed to make iPhones, iPads, Macs and other devices smarter, faster and more personalised.

The announcement, made during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), places Apple Intelligence at the centre of Apple’s software strategy, with the revamped Siri emerging as one of the most notable developments revealed at the event.

Unlike previous versions, the new Siri can answer questions related to the content on a user’s screen, draw on personal context understanding to search across apps, and go out to the web to get up-to-date information using broad world knowledge and generate a helpful answer.

Apple says the assistant will be able to provide more useful responses by combining on-device intelligence, app awareness and broader online knowledge.

The upgraded assistant is powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform built around a privacy-focused architecture. Apple says the technology has been designed to deliver more capable AI features while keeping user data protected.

What’s new beyond Siri?

While Siri attracted much of the attention, Apple also showcased a series of AI-powered improvements coming to its software ecosystem.

The company said Apple Intelligence will introduce new capabilities across several everyday apps, including Photos, Safari, Messages and Mail. Users will gain smarter tools for image editing, enhanced browsing experiences across multiple tabs, improved communication features and expanded creative options through Image Playground.

The updates are aimed at reducing routine tasks and helping users find information more quickly while making interactions feel more natural across Apple devices.

New focus on child safety

Apple also announced a fresh set of family-focused features designed to give parents greater control over their children's digital experiences.

Under the updated system, parents setting up a child account can immediately activate age-appropriate protections and decide which applications are available to their children. New approval controls allow parents to manage app access over time rather than relying solely on initial setup choices.

Communication safety tools are also being expanded. Parents will be able to require approval before children connect with new contacts, while automated safeguards can intervene when explicit or violent content is detected in shared communications.

Apple Watch gets smarter too

Apple Watch users are set to receive several usability upgrades. A redesigned dynamic app grid will surface five Siri-recommended applications based on usage patterns, while a new gesture-based interaction will allow users to open widgets within Smart Stack more quickly.

Apple is also combining its location-tracking tools into a single Find My app, bringing together device, item and people tracking features under one interface.

Speaking during the keynote, Apple software chief Craig Federighi said the company is bringing a new generation of intelligent capabilities to its products while continuing to prioritise privacy and user experience.

When will users get access?

Developers can begin testing the new software features immediately through Apple's developer programme. A public beta is scheduled to launch next month, giving users an early look at the AI-powered tools and software enhancements before their wider rollout.

With IANS inputs