Apple took center stage at WWDC 2026, unveiling Siri’s roadmap for iOS 27. After a rocky rollout that began with a 2024 preview later pulled, the company finally promised concrete features. The assistant will now run on Google’s Gemini models, a shift that could close the gap with rival AI services and reshape iPhone interactions, and promises tighter integration with HomeKit and CarPlay ecosystems.

Early tests suggest Gemini delivers performance comparable to the same models on Android, raising hopes that Siri will finally respond with speed and accuracy. However, Apple disclosed that users may need to join a waitlist to access the new capabilities at launch, a detail that has reignited criticism from long‑time fans who feel the assistant has lagged for years, and many users fear it will remain a niche feature.

The mixed reaction underscores the high bar set by competitors and the lingering distrust after the 2024 video pull‑back. If Apple can roll out Gemini‑powered Siri without further delays, it could restore credibility and give iOS a genuine AI edge. As of now, the assistant’s fate hinges on whether the waitlist hurdle proves temporary or becomes another setback, and Apple’s ability to deliver now will determine Siri’s relevance for the next decade.