WWDC 2026 wrapped up last week, with Apple announcing a reset of its AI efforts, starting with Siri AI.
New software updates focus on a slew of refinements and bug fixes that aim to improve the divisive Liquid Glass UI that was introduced last year, as well as faster startup times for apps, redesigned icons and more.
However, the June 8 keynote needed to convince developers and users alike that Apple was serious about improvements across its software, as well as offering clarity on AI – especially as some features announced back in WWDC 2024 have yet to appear.
The keynote largely delivered on those two aspects, giving developers access to Apple’s AI foundation models for free until their apps reach 2m first-time downloads. This is something game developers will be able to easily hit – but this conference had to reassure developers from all categories after two years of disappointing announcements.
Invited attendees went to Apple Park to watch the June 8 keynote, and participated in several official Apple developer sessions nearby. But to get an idea of what developers really think, we attended a free, unofficial CommunityKit event down the road from Apple HQ. It was here that we spoke to a ton of developers on and off the record about Apple’s announcements, and got a sense of whether the company has given developers new faith after several morale-sapping years.
Ben Rice McCarthy, co-developer of Indigo, as well as Obscura and Ketchup, was receptive to most of the announcements. “It’s nice to see Apple listen to feedback and make meaningful improvements in response,” he told us. “The AI story feels a bit scattershot, but distinct from the AI giants’ chatbot first experience. Being more deeply integrated seems like it could pay off in the long run if individual interactions have crossed the threshold of ‘good enough’.”
Others were glad to see Apple focusing on improving its software platforms this year, even though there were no specific features for game developers.
There was also frustration from those who had redesigned their apps with Liquid Glass in mind for 2025, but have been offered little guidance on how to take advantage of the revamped Human Interface Guidelines for 2026.
There’s also Apple Intelligence. After several features were announced in 2024 before being delayed indefinitely, users and developers alike have been confused by Apple’s stance on AI, and even left wondering if this new Siri would ever arrive.
WWDC 2026 changed that, with Siri AI now in beta testing and Apple offering developers several AI features, such as App Intents that can allow features of apps to be used in other parts of iOS and iPadOS.
Paul Hudson, who hosted a talk at CommunityKit about the new features of Apple’s programming language, Swift, was impressed. “Developers went into WWDC 2026 expecting AI, AI, and some more AI, and that’s exactly what we got.”
“However, unlike some of Apple’s previous misses, this year they really meant it: Siri AI is genuinely a huge leap forward in personal assistant technology, and the new Private Cloud Compute terms are extremely generous for developers.”
Manuel Kehl, developer of Daylish, Zenitizer, and others, was also quick to talk up Apple’s AI announcements. “Apple Foundation models are also actually looking quite interesting, especially with access to private cloud compute. I’m planning to add several AI use cases to Daylish that will utilize Foundation Models, so it’ll greatly benefit from the models. As a small developer, I really appreciate that Apple gives us access to these for free.”
Kehl takes issue with Apple’s decision to remove access to its models once 2m first-time downloads are made, though. “I’m confused by the exact wording of the terms, as once an app crosses 2m downloads, you will lose access without an option to pay to continue using it, so we need to prepare for that eventuality.”
“I hope Apple will provide a clear transition plan with a paid tier for high-volume users in the future. This way, developers can be billed for continued private cloud compute usage once they cross the threshold.”
Hudson also acknowledges that it’s a mixed blessing that there’s so much work ahead for developers to leverage these new features. “Getting great Siri AI support into your app means taking App Intents seriously, but upgrading to Private Cloud Compute should be only an hour or two of work.”
