[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong] Apple is seen facing an important test that could determine the success or failure of its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2026 on June 8 (local time). The industry views the key points as how polished Apple can make its new Siri and how convincingly it can present its next-generation hardware vision.

TechRadar, an IT media outlet, assessed that WWDC 2026 could be one of the most important Apple developer events in recent years. It cited as variables that could shape market sentiment the way Apple unveils the next-generation Siri, a core feature of Apple Intelligence, the structure of the keynote and whether there will be surprise hardware announcements.

The biggest focus is on the new Siri. Apple has said since last year, as it unveiled its Apple Intelligence strategy, that it plans to enter the generative AI race in earnest. The industry has continued to point out that many features disclosed so far have remained at the concept-introduction level and that Apple has not sufficiently shown a fully finished user experience. As a result, calls are growing for a live demo running on actual devices at this WWDC rather than a simple promotional video.

TechRadar said, "What users want to see is a completely revamped Siri working on a real iPhone," and added, "The approach of showing a concept video and then making people wait months or years may no longer work."

There are also arguments that the presentation format itself needs to change. Recently, Apple has run keynotes that link together pre-recorded videos after a short opening by CEO Tim Cook. Critics say a more lively, real-time presentation is needed this time to restore trust in its AI strategy.

TechRadar said, "Apple should not play it safe, and it should not use pre-recorded videos," adding that it could be more persuasive if leaders of each platform take the stage to explain new operating systems and AI features, and if Siri is introduced through a real-time conversational demo.

This WWDC is also drawing attention for Cook's role. Some industry observers say the event could be the last WWDC led by Cook before a transition to a next management team. That has also raised the prospect of a moment in which Cook looks back on his achievements in office and directly mentions major turning points and trial and error.

The possibility of surprise hardware announcements is another focus. WWDC has traditionally been software-centric, but there have been cases in the past in which major hardware such as the Mac Pro and Vision Pro were unveiled.

The industry has raised the possibility that Apple could mention for the first time a foldable iPhone or a so-called "iPhone Ultra" strategy. Analysts say that if a foldable smartphone is actually released, it would require a new user interface and operating system features, allowing Apple to outline its direction at a developer event.

AR glasses in the form of "Apple Glass" are also being cited as a potential surprise card. Some have mentioned the possibility that Cook could appear wearing them himself to hint at their existence. It has not yet been confirmed, however, whether there will be a specific product unveiling.

Behind the attention on this WWDC is a changing competitive environment around Apple. Apple is still seen as maintaining strong influence in hardware, but it is being assessed as lagging behind rivals in competition over generative AI, foldable devices and next-generation AR platforms.

As a result, the market is paying closer attention to what differentiated strategy Apple can present in the AI era than to simple operating system updates.

The industry sees WWDC 2026 as a stage to show the reality of Apple Intelligence. If the completeness and practical usability of the new Siri and a next-generation form-factor strategy are revealed, market assessments of Apple's AI competitiveness could also change significantly.