Apple Shifts AI Demo Approach at WWDC 2026 After Ad Scandal

At WWDC 2026, Apple introduced an updated ecosystem for its products, including a long-awaited interface redesign and search engine improvements. However, the main focus was the return to AI capabilities promised two years ago, featuring a completely revamped version of the Siri voice assistant.

Unlike last year’s presentation, where Apple showcased "perfect" AI demo videos, this time the company adopted a more realistic format. Many features were demonstrated in near-real-world conditions: users interacted with devices in real time, and the camera captured the system’s responses. This approach was a direct response to the 2024 criticism, when Apple was accused of overly polished demos that did not reflect the actual capabilities of its products.

The previous year’s ad scandal resulted in a lawsuit and reputational damage for Apple. In March 2025, the company acknowledged that implementing the promised features took longer than expected. Apple ultimately agreed to pay $250 million to settle the misleading advertising lawsuit without admitting fault. The new presentation format is likely aimed at rebuilding user trust.

The updated Siri and other Apple Intelligence features will be available on a wide range of devices, including iPhone 15 Pro and newer, iPads with M1 chips and above, and Macs with M1 processors and later models. Apple has abandoned the practice of tying new features exclusively to the latest device models, a significant step for users who have already upgraded their gadgets in recent years.