May 19, 2026, 12:50 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
In just under three weeks, the keynote for WWDC26 will take place, and information about iOS 27 is becoming more concrete. While the update itself is expected to focus mainly on software optimizations, Apple is planning major innovations for Siri and Apple Intelligence across all operating systems. Details about a new wallpaper generator and automated Siri shortcuts have now leaked.
Create Your Own Wallpapers
When selecting a new wallpaper, users will soon be able to create their own designs directly on the iPhone. This is based on the Image Playground, which Apple released as part of Apple Intelligence at the end of 2024. Users can already create custom emojis and images with it, with results intentionally having a playful, less realistic character.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple plans to fundamentally revamp Image Playground for iOS 27. The company is testing new models that can generate more realistic images–and thus user-defined wallpapers. The option to generate custom images will be directly available in the wallpaper selection of iOS, without needing to open an additional app.
Apple’s AI Siri Likely to Launch in iOS 27 Only as a Beta
Apple Responds to User Criticism with macOS Update
Shortcuts for Everyone
According to Bloomberg, the Shortcuts app will also receive a comprehensive update. Until now, creating a shortcut has been primarily manual work, comparable to programming logic–albeit greatly simplified. Nevertheless, the rather complicated operation can be off-putting to less experienced users.
Also of interest: Apple’s AI Siri is expected to launch in iOS 27 only as a beta
In the future, however, it will be possible to create new automations using natural language. Users could describe to Siri what task a shortcut should perform. An input field will appear, asking which shortcut you want to create. The desired function can then be described in text, from which Siri can create a suitable shortcut.
Presentation Expected at WWDC
According to Bloomberg, Apple is expected to present the new features at the WWDC keynote on June 8. Immediately afterward, the company will release the first beta version of iOS 27 for developers. Whether the wallpaper generator and automated shortcuts will be available at the start of the beta is not yet known.