Apple gave Siri a major glow‑up at WWDC 2026, and one of my favorite parts is how it now lives right inside your iPhone’s camera app. With a brand‑new Siri mode, your camera becomes a tool for understanding the world around you, not just snapping photos of it. Let me explain how it works.
### How does the new camera Siri mode work?
Siri now offers powerful visual‑intelligence features directly from the camera app via a new Siri mode. You can activate it by swiping on the mode bar that currently lets you switch between photo, video, and other modes.
Once you’re in Siri mode, simply point the phone at something, tap the shutter button, and Siri interprets what it sees, delivering a helpful response. Pull down for richer details and ask follow‑up questions if you want to dig deeper.
The best part for privacy‑conscious users is that all of these capabilities run on Apple Foundation models using private‑cloud compute, keeping your data safe. Your images and conversations are also stored in the new Siri app, so you can revisit them whenever you like.
### What can you use it for?
Siri mode suggests relevant actions in real time based on what’s in front of you. Point your iPhone at a plate of food, and it will provide nutritional information. Out for a meal with friends? Aim the camera at the bill, select what you ordered, and split the tab with Apple Cash right there—no awkward math at the table.
Combine this with AI tools in the Photos app that let you reframe shots, erase unwanted objects, and extend images, and the new Siri camera upgrade becomes a compelling addition.
It’s a modest tweak to how you use your camera, but I think it will change how often you reach for it. I can’t wait to try it out.