Apple’s WWDC 2026 showcased significant AI advancements for Siri, but disappointed fans by not unveiling any new hardware, including the highly anticipated Apple TV update, which is now delayed until September to coincide with the release of the upgraded Siri. Picture: Michael Sherman/Google Gemini
Image: Michael Sherman/Google Gemini
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) was widely regarded as a significant step forward for the tech giant, largely thanks to long-awaited advancements to Siri AI.
While Apple finally showcased the upgraded AI capabilities it first promised two years ago, the announcement was generally well received.
Until now, Siri has felt more like a basic voice assistant than the intelligent AI companion Apple had envisioned. That disconnect became particularly apparent after the company’s high-profile 2024 marketing campaign featuring actor Bella Ramsey showcased features that ultimately failed to arrive on schedule. Apple later withdrew the advertisement.
There were also updates across Apple’s operating systems, with a strong focus on improving performance, consistency and usability across both current and older devices.
Still, there was one major thing missing from WWDC, and as an Apple fan, I’m disappointed.
I’m talking about hardware.
Not a single piece of new hardware was unveiled at WWDC 2026.
Part of the frustration stems from the fact that the upgraded Siri experience won’t arrive until September, when Apple is also expected to unveil its next wave of devices.
To be fair, Apple doesn’t typically use WWDC as a major hardware launch event. But in the weeks leading up to the conference, rumours swirled around refreshed Macs, new iPads and, perhaps most excitingly, an updated Apple TV.
The Apple TV in particular is crying out for a refresh — something I’ve written about extensively.
Apple’s streaming box last received a meaningful update back in 2022, which is an eternity in technology terms.
According to reports, the next-generation Apple TV has effectively been ready for some time, but its release has been pushed back to coincide with the arrival of the new Siri. The device is expected to feature deep AI integration, meaning much of its appeal depends on software that isn’t quite ready yet.
It’s a classic catch-22.
The new Apple TV can’t arrive before the upgraded Siri, and Apple seemingly doesn’t want to launch Siri before the hardware designed to showcase it.
But as understandable as that strategy may be, four years is simply too long to keep loyal Apple TV users waiting.