Apple expected to unveil new AI features at last developers conference with CEO Tim Cook

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) begins Monday at its Silicon Valley headquarters, marking the final event under CEO Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure before he steps down in September. The conference, attended by thousands of developers from over 60 countries, will focus on software updates, including new AI features, rather than hardware launches like the iPhones unveiled in autumn. Analysts expect Apple to introduce significant AI advancements, particularly for Siri. Emarketer senior analyst Gadjo Sevilla predicts Siri will be reimagined as an AI chatbot with memory to track conversations and the ability to execute multiple tasks from a single request. This upgrade could integrate seamlessly across Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhones, Macs, and iPads, similar to features like AirDrop and Handoff. The event may also hint at Apple’s expansion into foldables, wearables, and smart home products through developer updates. Sevilla describes 2024 as a “transition year” for the conference, suggesting a shift toward AI-driven innovations amid Apple’s push to catch up with competitors like Google and Microsoft. Cook announced his retirement in April, concluding an era that saw Apple’s market value grow by over $4 trillion. His successor, John Ternus, has spent 25 years at Apple, including the past five years overseeing engineering for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Ternus’s leadership will coincide with Apple’s critical AI phase, following early struggles to deliver promised AI features. Apple has relied on Google’s Gemini AI model to power its AI capabilities, signaling a cautious approach as the company navigates industry upheaval. The WWDC event underscores Apple’s urgency to integrate AI meaningfully into its ecosystem, potentially reshaping user interactions with its devices.