Apple expands OpenAI partnership while major Siri upgrades remain distant

Apple expanded its partnership with OpenAI and introduced several AI-powered features during its Worldwide Developers Conference, though significant improvements to Siri remain on the distant horizon. The announcements signal Apple’s continued effort to catch up in the AI race, building on the ChatGPT integration first introduced last year that now underpins many capabilities coming to iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and visionOS 26 this fall.

What you should know: Apple’s AI strategy continues to rely heavily on external partnerships rather than purely in-house development.

• The expanded OpenAI relationship will power new features across Apple’s operating system updates launching this fall.
• Despite the AI focus, major Siri enhancements that users have been anticipating are still not ready for deployment.
• The AI features weren’t the primary focus of WWDC, suggesting Apple is taking a measured approach to AI integration.

The big picture: Apple appears to be following Google’s playbook by gradually integrating AI capabilities across its ecosystem while managing user expectations about timeline and scope.

• The company is leveraging proven AI technology from OpenAI rather than rushing to market with untested in-house solutions.
• This approach allows Apple to offer AI features while maintaining its reputation for polished, reliable products.

Why this matters: Apple’s cautious but steady AI integration reflects the company’s broader strategy of being a fast follower rather than a first mover in emerging technologies.

• The partnership expansion demonstrates how even tech giants are choosing collaboration over pure competition in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
• Users waiting for a dramatically improved Siri will need to continue being patient as Apple prioritizes stability over speed in AI deployment.