Tim Cook’s final developer conference as Apple CEO could define his AI legacy

Apple CEO Tim Cook will deliver his final Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote on Monday, marking the end of his 13-year tenure before handing leadership to hardware chief John Ternus. The event, scheduled for 10:30 pm, will focus on Apple’s AI ambitions, as the company faces pressure to demonstrate progress in a sector where it has trailed rivals like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. Apple is expected to unveil Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI capabilities including digital pass generation and expense-sharing tools via receipt analysis. A significantly upgraded Siri will also take center stage, with reports suggesting a standalone app, redesigned interface, and deeper integration with Google’s Gemini AI model. The revamp comes after years of delays, including a $250 million settlement in May for iPhone 15 and 16 users who missed promised AI features. Critics argue Apple’s cautious approach—prioritizing privacy and on-device processing—has left it behind in the generative AI race. The WWDC keynote will be Apple’s clearest opportunity to address skepticism, particularly as Siri’s transformation into an intelligent, task-oriented assistant is seen as a litmus test for its AI strategy. Cook’s legacy as CEO has been defined by Apple’s market growth and resilience through challenges like supply-chain disruptions and regulatory scrutiny. However, AI remains a weak point, with investors questioning whether Apple Intelligence can deliver meaningful innovation. The company’s stock performance has remained strong, but market expectations increasingly hinge on its ability to compete in AI before Cook’s departure. Analysts emphasize that Apple must prove Siri can handle complex tasks across apps and services, moving beyond its current limitations. The WWDC event will determine whether Apple can reclaim leadership in AI or continue playing catch-up with competitors.