CUPERTINO, California: Apple introduced a redesigned version of Siri powered by artificial intelligence, marking its biggest update to the voice assistant in years as the company seeks to strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving AI market.

The new system, called Siri AI, was unveiled at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and brings a range of new capabilities, including improved voice interactions, awareness of content displayed on device screens and the ability to retrieve information from the web.

Apple said Siri AI can also maintain context from previous conversations and locate information contained in messages, such as a friend's address, even if that information was never formally saved.

"Truly helpful AI must be centered around you and your needs," Apple's software chief Craig Federighi said.

"This means integrating AI deep into the products you use every day, grounding it in your personal context and the apps you rely on, and designing it with privacy at every step. This is our vision for Apple Intelligence."

The launch represents a significant step in Apple's effort to modernize Siri after announcing plans for a major overhaul in 2024. Delays to that project had left the company trailing competitors such as Microsoft and Google, which have moved aggressively to introduce AI-powered assistants capable of handling more complex tasks.

Apple said Siri AI features a new voice experience designed to sound more natural and conversational. The assistant will also be available on iPads, while work continues on adapting it for Apple smartwatches.

Initially, Siri AI will launch in English, with additional languages expected to follow. Apple did not provide a detailed rollout schedule.

The company said the service will not initially be available on iPhones or iPads in the European Union and will not launch in China as Apple works through regulatory requirements.

Images and searches generated through Siri AI will be stored in a new standalone application available across iPhones, iPads and Mac computers, synchronized through Apple's private cloud computing technology.

Apple also announced that its new iOS 27 operating system will support devices as far back as the iPhone 11. The next version of MacOS will be called "Golden Gate."

Alongside the AI announcements, Apple unveiled new child-safety tools. Updated parental controls will automatically limit children to approved apps, while a new "ask to browse" feature will require parental permission before visiting new websites.

The company is also expanding protections that automatically blur graphic images in messaging apps and notify parents, building on existing safeguards for explicit content.

Apple said it is working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to create guidance aimed at helping families establish healthy digital habits.

The announcements come as Apple faces increasing pressure from rivals including OpenAI, Google and Microsoft, all of which have rapidly expanded their AI offerings.

"AI is incredibly powerful technology with the potential to shape society in profound ways, and with proper care, unlock meaningful benefits for people everywhere. Still, some appear to be racing forward, seemingly pursuing AI for the sake of AI, without clear regard for the people," Federighi said.