Apple Intelligence in 2026: New Devices, M5 Servers, and the Future of Siri

Apple is heavily investing in the future of “Apple Intelligence.” While the initial rollout sparked mixed reactions, the latest developments in 2026 show that Apple is laying a massive hardware and software foundation for its AI ecosystem.

Here is a look at the biggest Apple Intelligence updates happening right now.

1. The Affordable iPad 12 Gets Apple Intelligence

Perhaps the most significant move for consumer adoption is the upcoming 12th-generation iPad. Historically, the base iPad received older chips. However, Apple is reportedly equipping the iPad 12 with the new A18 chip.

This means the company’s most affordable tablet will support Apple Intelligence, effectively eliminating the AI fragmentation across the modern Apple product lineup.

2. Powering Up: M5 Chips for Private Cloud Compute

Apple Intelligence relies heavily on Private Cloud Compute (PCC) for complex tasks that cannot be processed on-device. Apple is currently transitioning its PCC servers from M2 Ultra chips to the upcoming M5 chips (skipping the M3 Ultra entirely).

Furthermore, reports suggest Apple is developing dedicated, custom AI server chips, slated for mass production later this year and deployment in 2027. This signifies Apple’s commitment to maintaining privacy while scaling up the processing power required for advanced AI models.

3. The Big Siri Overhaul is Coming

The highly anticipated “Siri 2.0” upgrade is still tracking for a 2026 release. While rumors suggested internal delays might push some features to iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, Apple remains committed to delivering a smarter Siri this year.

The upgraded Siri will feature deeper contextual awareness, cross-app integration, and the ability to act as a true conversational chatbot. The integration with external models, such as Google’s Gemini, is also expected to bolster its capabilities.

4. AI Wearables on the Horizon (2027)

Apple isn’t just looking at phones and laptops. They are actively developing three new AI-powered wearables to act as eyes and ears for Apple Intelligence:

• Smart Glasses (Codename N50)
• A Camera-Equipped Pendant
• AirPods with Built-in Cameras

These devices aim to provide “visual context” to Siri, allowing the AI to interpret your surroundings and offer proactive assistance seamlessly, without needing to pull out an iPhone.

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