According to the latest "Power On" newsletter by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up for a monumental year in 2026. The highlight of the week is a significant breakthrough for Siri, which will finally receive its long-awaited AI "brain transplant" using Google’s Gemini models, alongside major hardware updates.
The Siri "Rebirth": iOS 26.4 and Beyond
The most anticipated software update, iOS 26.4, is expected to enter beta in February 2026, with a public release slated for March or April. This update will finally fulfill the promises made back at WWDC 2024.
On-Screen Awareness: Siri will be able to "see" and understand what is happening on your screen to provide context-aware assistance.
In-App Controls: Users can command Siri to perform complex tasks across various apps seamlessly.
Powered by Gemini: While Apple’s own "Private Cloud Compute" handles personal data, Siri will leverage Google Gemini for more complex reasoning and human-like interactions, bridging the gap between Apple and its AI rivals.
The MacBook Pro "Titan": Redesign and Cellular Connectivity
Gurman confirms that while we might see a minor refresh this week, the major redesign is scheduled for late 2026. This "20th Anniversary" MacBook Pro is expected to be a game-changer:
The "M6" Era: Powered by the next-gen M6 series chips (potentially utilizing a 2nm process).
OLED Touchscreen: For the first time, the Mac will feature a Tandem OLED display with touch capabilities, similar to the iPad Pro.
Ultra-Thin Form Factor: A significant chassis redesign that makes the device thinner and lighter without sacrificing performance.
5G Connectivity: The long-rumored built-in cellular support (using Apple’s in-house modem) will finally allow users to stay connected on the go without Wi-Fi.
Other Upcoming Releases in the 2026 Pipeline
Apple's spring and summer lineup looks incredibly dense with several key hardware updates:
MacBook Air (M5): A performance refresh for the world's most popular laptop.
Mac Studio (M5 Max/Ultra): A powerhouse update for creative professionals.
Studio Display 2: The first update to Apple’s standalone monitor in years.
The "Budget" MacBook: A new entry-level laptop powered by the A18 Pro chip (from the iPhone 16 Pro) designed to capture the education and casual market with a price point potentially as low as $699.
Sources indicate that Siri in iOS 26.4 is just the first step, as Apple plans to launch a full-fledged "Siri Chatbot" (comparable to Gemini 3) in iOS 27 later this year. This will transform the iPhone user experience from a mere "assistant" to a true "confidant."
The M6 chip isn't just a speed upgrade; it utilizes TSMC's 2-nanometer architecture, resulting in significant power savings and potentially being key to making new MacBook Pro models thinner without compromising battery life.
Using A-Series chips in lower-end MacBooks is Apple's strategy to capture market share from Chromebooks and entry-level Windows devices. The A18 Pro chip is several times more powerful than Intel/AMD chips in the same price range.
On the software side, iOS 26 is rumored to feature a new design called "Liquid Glass," emphasizing transparency and smooth animations to support AI features that will overlay various applications.
Apple has struck a deal with Google to bring Gemini to enhance the Siri assistant service on iPhone.
Source: Bloomberg
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