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Search results for: Craig Federighi

Wait for AI-enhanced Siri stretches out almost a year

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AI-generated image of a circuit board with an Apple logo, and he words,
Work on a much smarter Siri will take about a long to finish as pessimists predicted.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

The release date for the AI-enhanced version of the Siri voice assistant will likely come in spring 2026, according to information leaking out of Apple. That’s nine months from now, and a year after it was first expected.

The long delay in the launch of smarter Siri was a significant black eye for Apple, clearly demonstrating that it wasn’t keeping up with rivals in AI research.

iPadOS 26 hands-on: The iPad upgrade pros wished for

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iPadOS 26 multitasking features
New multitasking features are the highlight of iPadOS 26.
Screenshot: Apple

Those who want their iPad to function more like a Mac got their wish: iPadOS 26 includes multitasking features very similar to the ones in macOS. This year’s iPad upgrade also borrows plenty of other things from Apple’s desktop OS.

I loaded the initial iPadOS 26 beta on my iPad Pro. Here’s what it’s like to use it … and why pro users should be excited while non-pro users shouldn’t worry.

iPhone gets Live Translation plus more modest AI enhancements

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Live Translation for iPhone in iOS 26
The Phone app in iOS 26 includes Live translation.
Image: Apple

The highlight of Apple’s recent AI efforts is Live Translation, but that’s not the only new Apple Intelligence feature unveiled at WWDC on Monday. There are also improvements to visual intelligence and Image Playground. Plus, third-party app developers can access Apple’s AI models for free.

But the keynote address kicking off the Mac maker’s developers conference was short on big AI-related announcements when compared to what’s coming out of OpenAI or Google. Still, the company did what it could.

“Last year, we took the first steps on a journey to bring users intelligence that’s helpful, relevant, easy to use, and right where users need it, all while protecting their privacy. Now, the models that power Apple Intelligence are becoming more capable and efficient, and we’re integrating features in even more places across each of our operating systems,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

iPadOS 26 makes iPad more Mac-like than ever

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iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025
Many more options for working with windows is a highlight of iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025.
Screenshot: Apple

iPadOS 26 lets Apple’s tablets act more like a Mac than ever before. It also includes a new design that makes all Apple computers look more similar, further bringing iPads and Macs together.

“iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote. “With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.”

iOS 26 sports striking redesign, smarter AI, better cross-platform integration

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iOS 26 announcement
The big iOS 26 update brings a beautiful new design, intelligent experiences and various other improvements to the apps users rely on every day.
Photo: Apple

With Monday’s iOS 26 announcement at WWDC25, Apple transforms how users interact with their iPhones through big design changes headlined by the striking look of “Liquid Glass,” enhanced AI capabilities and improved cross-platform integration with helpful changes to core apps like Phone, Messages and more. All in all, iOS 26 represents Apple’s boldest OS step forward in years.

“iOS 26 shines with the gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most.”

“And with powerful new Apple Intelligence capabilities integrated across the system, users can get things done easier than ever,” he added.

Liquid Glass: Apple’s biggest design refresh ever

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Apple's Senior VP of Software Craig Federighi introduces Liquid Glass.
Apple's Senior VP of Software Craig Federighi introduces Liquid Glass.
Photo: Apple

For the first time, Apple will unify software design across it various platforms with a new interface design called Liquid Glass. Inspired by visionOS, Liquid Glass is, as its name implies, a translucent and fluid new interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other devices in Apple’s ecosystem.

“It’s the kind of project that only comes along about once per decade,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, as he introduced Liquid Glass during Monday’s WWDC25 keynote.

In demos, conference attendees and online viewers got to see “glassy,” translucent menus, panels and icons throughout the system. The new look and feel creates a more immersive and modern visual experience.

macOS 26 Tahoe debuts with sleek design and smarter Spotlight

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macOS Tahoe running on Macs
macOS Tahoe brings the "Liquid Glass" design to Macs.
Photo: Apple

Like iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe follows Apple’s new yearly naming scheme. It also adapts the new Liquid Glass design, using glassy UI elements and updated system icons.

But that’s not it. macOS 26 Tahoe includes a redesigned Control Centre, a revamped Spotlight, and, for the first time ever, brings the Phone app to the Mac.

“macOS is the heart and soul of the Mac, and with Tahoe, we’re building on what users love most. Whether you’re a power user or just getting started on Mac, there’s something for everyone, with even more features to turbocharge productivity and make working across Mac and iPhone more seamless than ever before,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering.

Today in Apple history: OS X Snow Leopard roars for the first time

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Photo of a Mac OS X Snow Leopard box. Apple released the software on August 28, 2009.
Remember this character?
Photo: Apple

June 8: Today in Apple history: Apple introduces OS X Snow Leopard June 8, 2009: Apple introduces OS X Snow Leopard, a version of its Mac operating system that ranks among the company’s finest desktop updates.

Showcased at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Snow Leopard doesn’t seem as flashy as some other Mac operating system upgrades. In fact, Apple famously includes a slide in its WWDC presentation touting “0 new features.” However, OS X Snow Leopard more than delivers on Apple’s core values, paving a path to a bright future for the Mac.

Today in Apple history: Apple chooses Intel over PowerPC

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intel
The transition to Intel was a big achievement for Steve Jobs.
Photo: Thomas Hawk/Flickr CC

June 6: Today in Apple history: Apple switches Mac to Intel chips from PowerPC June 6, 2005: Steve Jobs reveals that Apple will switch the Mac from PowerPC processors to Intel.

Speaking at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, Jobs’ revelation reminds the tech world that he is a leader who can get things done. Given Intel’s focus on mobile computing, the move also offers a hint at what Apple’s CEO has planned for the second half of his reign.

Apple Intelligence might take a backseat at WWDC25

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Apple Intelligence at WWDC25
WWDC25 won’t be as Apple Intelligence-packed as last year.
Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac

Apple doesn’t have as many Apple Intelligence features to announce at WWDC25 as it did during last year’s developer conference. However, a handful of new AI features should arrive, including Apple Intelligence-generated Shortcuts automations, an Apple Intelligence API for developers, and AI-powered health tips. Apple’s foundation language model itself will also be improved, with versions in four different sizes currently in testing.

Here’s what to expect on Apple Intelligence next Monday during the WWDC25 keynote.