Mark Gurman says Apple is preparing new Siri-based devices under CEO John Ternus

In short: Apple’s first iPhone event under new CEO John Ternus leaned on familiar themes, and Mark Gurman says Apple is now lining up several new Siri and AI focused devices.

What's going on

Apple recently held its annual iPhone event, and it was the first major launch led by new CEO John Ternus, who replaced Tim Cook less than two weeks earlier. Apple also introduced the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone.

On The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said the event felt similar to past Apple events, but with one notable shift. Ternus opened by pushing an “intelligent personal hub” idea, meaning Apple wants to present its products as centered around AI features. AI is a common shorthand for software that can understand requests and help with tasks, like a more capable digital assistant.

Gurman said Apple did not show major new AI features at the event, and instead retold what it has already announced over the last two years with “Apple Intelligence.” He also said Apple still lacks a dedicated AI device, so it is positioning the iPhone as the main AI device for now.

Looking ahead, Gurman described a pipeline of Siri-based hardware. He said Apple is working on a smart home hub (similar to an Echo Show, which is a small screen you can talk to), a home security system, and wearables like smart glasses and AirPods that may include cameras for “visual intelligence.” That means the device could use basic visual input to help you in the moment, like reading text or recognizing objects.

What to watch

Gurman also pointed to a growing tension for Apple: these always-listening and sometimes-seeing devices can worry people who care about privacy. How Apple explains, limits, and signals these features, like a clear indicator light, may shape how well customers accept what comes next.

Source: The Verge AI