Best of WWDC26

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Is it just me, or did this week feel like it was three weeks long? Monday’s WWDC26 keynote kicked off a week of unbridled optimism after Apple showcased the new Siri AI, plus a ton of new features coming to iPhones, Macs and other devices this year.

The good news is that this time around, it looks like Apple Intelligence might finally be ready for the spotlight.

Watch our 90-second video recap of the WWDC keynote, dive deeper with the plethora of news and analysis posts that Cult of Mac writers hammered out this week, and/or relax with the Cult of Mac podcast (which includes the results of our annual WWDC predictions game).

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Siri stole the show, but here are 15 new Apple Intelligence features we’re excited about. And here are 10 below-the-radar iOS 27 upgrades we love.
Because AI features require the latest hardware, the compatibility list for this year’s OS upgrades looks a bit crazier than usual.
If you want to try Siri AI and the rest of the new stuff, you might want to download the iOS 27 developer beta and get on the waitlist. Alternatively, you can grab the macOS 27 Golden Gate beta and use a simple Terminal command to jump the queue.
If your home office isn’t as big as you would like, take some inspiration from these killer Mac setups in small places.
I’m honestly shocked that this deal on AirPods Pro 3 — which drops them to just $179 — is still live. Don’t miss out on Apple’s best earbuds at the best price ever!

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

WWDC26 coverage

WWDC26 recap: New software upgrades and Siri AI in 90 seconds

If you don’t have 76 minutes to spare, you can get the gist from our WWDC26 keynote recap in just 90 seconds.

Siri gets major redesign with chat interface and dedicated app

Apple reinvents its smart assistant as "Siri AI," with a new range of advanced capabilities.

Plus: 15 great new Apple Intelligence features to try (beyond Siri AI)

iOS 27 debuts with brighter Siri, better Visual Intelligence

Updates include much smarter Siri, an improved Camera app and squashed bugs.

Plus, more on Apple’s platform updates:

10 hidden iOS 27 features Apple barely mentioned at WWDC26

Beyond Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, iOS 27 includes plenty of useful hidden features that make your iPhone smarter to use.

iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 compatibility list: Will your device get the update?

Here’s the complete list of supported iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Macs.

Plus, more on compatibility:

Apple adds new parental controls across platforms

Apple adds new child safety features to iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27.

Apple's new AI-powered Extend and Reframe image tools are the real deal

Apple's new AI-powered editing and enhancement tools show real promise.

Plus, more on Apple’s upgraded apps:

5 biggest Liquid Glass changes in iOS 27 and macOS 27

Apple’s flashy UI gets a practical makeover, with refinements aimed at fixing many of its biggest pain points.

How-tos

How to join the waitlist and get the new Siri AI early

You can get the new Siri AI right now on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Vision Pro. All you have to do is update to iOS 27.

Skip the waitlist: Get the new Siri AI right now on macOS Golden Gate

There’s a days-long waitlist to get the new Siri AI. But on macOS Golden Gate, you can skip it by pasting in a simple Terminal command.

How to create a Keynote presentation that would make Steve Jobs proud

If you want to make the best Keynote presentation, you need to follow a few simple rules (and ape the style of the keynote GOAT, Steve Jobs).

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News

Foldable iPhone gets biggest clue yet in iOS 27 beta

Hidden code in the first iOS 27 beta offers Apple’s strongest software hint yet that its long-rumored foldable iPhone is getting closer to launch.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Apple clears the clutter out of the App Store

The App Store is set to improve as Apple dumps low-value software.

Deals

AI-powered PDF editor gives you the tools you require (and some you didn't know you needed)

PDNob Pro PDF Editor combines AI-powered PDF chat tools, OCR, editing, conversion, signing, annotation and cloud storage across Mac, Windows and iPhone.

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

This $50 Bluetooth speaker's special skills shine, whether it's party time or bedtime

The Soundfreaq Sound Spot II is a portable speaker with built-in nature sounds and light waterproofing.

Plus, more hardware deals:

The $15 guide for people who don't want to get replaced by AI

Get lifetime access to the AI Essentials 2026: The Complete Guide to AI Fundamentals for $14.99 (regularly $64.99).

Reviews

3 ways the new Brydge Max iPad keyboard case beats Apple's Magic Keyboard [Review]

The Brydge Max 13.0 might be the best iPad keyboard case on the market. Our hands-on review pits it against Apple's own version.

Setups

Best compact Mac setups: Big ideas, small spaces

Our roundup of the best compact Mac setups reveals amazingly creative ways for workstations to thrive in tight spaces.