As Apple prepares to close out the Tim Cook era with iOS 27 and other OS upgrades, it's time to reflect on the future of the company and what we hope to see. Here's a list of seven realistic things I want Apple to announce, focusing on improvements that enhance user experience and innovation.
Better Writing Tools: I envision a Grammarly-style, always-on spelling, grammar, and word correction tool. While it doesn't need to be on by default, Apple should offer this in a privacy-preserving way. This tool would be invaluable for the Mac, especially in Notes, emails, and Safari, catching misspellings, tense errors, and other mistakes that standard spell-checks might miss.
AI-Infused Busywork Management: Siri should be more than just a voice assistant. I want to see AI-infused ways to automate mundane tasks. Imagine typing into Spotlight, "Merge the last three PDF scans into one file named XYZ," or "Find all dog pictures from the last two weeks and add them to a new folder." Better integration between Siri and Shortcuts would be a significant step forward.
Siri Everywhere: Siri needs to be more integrated into the software. Adding "Ask Siri" to text-selection menus would be a great start. It could search against world knowledge and provide personal context from other areas of the phone. For example, asking about a phone number in an email or text message could reveal recent interactions.
Third-Party Watch Faces: The Apple Watch needs more customization options. Allowing developers to build and release their own watch faces would energize buyers. The process might not be technically challenging, given the robust widget framework across Apple's operating systems.
AI-Enhanced Workout Buddy: Workout Buddy needs to evolve. It should be able to answer workout questions using AI, like comparing current pace to the seven-day average or tracking heart rate. Standalone support on a cellular Apple Watch would be a significant improvement.
New Apple TV Home Screen: The Apple TV app's home button options are underwhelming. A new home screen that blends current viewing with streaming app suggestions and integrates free live TV services would be a game-changer. It should also include a place to find and launch games.
Siri on the Vision Pro: The Apple Vision Pro should get the same Siri AI features as the iPhone and Mac. More tasks should be done by voice, including multiple commands and file management. The headset could benefit from expanded AI controls, ensuring it doesn't miss out on these capabilities.
In conclusion, these improvements would not only enhance the user experience but also position Apple as a leader in innovation, ensuring that the company continues to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.