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Apple Plans Core AI Framework to Replace Core ML at WWDC 2026, Bloomberg Reports

Apple intends to introduce a new developer framework called Core AI at WWDC 2026 in June, replacing Core ML — the on-device machine learning toolkit shipped since iOS 11 in 2017. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman broke the news on March 1, 2026, describing the ML-to-AI terminology shift as significant while noting the framework's core purpose remains the same.

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ObjectWire Technology Desk

Apple intends to introduce a new developer framework called Core AI at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2026, replacing Core ML — the on-device machine learning toolkit Apple has shipped across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other platforms since iOS 11 in 2017. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported the change in his Power On newsletter on March 1, 2026, calling the shift from "ML" to "AI" in the framework name significant while noting that the underlying purpose — helping developers integrate external AI models into apps with on-device execution — remains the same.

Gurman — March 1, 2026

"The switch from 'ML' to 'AI' is significant" because "machine learning" is viewed as dated and less resonant with both developers and consumers than "AI." The core function — enabling developers to integrate outside AI models into apps — is unchanged.

Core AI — At a Glance

  • •New Framework Core AI
  • •Replaces Core ML (launched with iOS 11, 2017)
  • •Unveil Event WWDC 2026 — early-to-mid June 2026
  • •Source Bloomberg Power On — Mark Gurman, March 1, 2026
  • •Core Purpose On-device AI model integration for developers — unchanged
  • •Terminology Shift "Machine learning" → "AI" — Gurman calls it significant
  • •Transition Both frameworks may coexist during transition period
  • •Platform Scope iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS
  • •Related Framework Foundation Models (Jun 2025) — ~3B parameter on-device LLM for developers

1. Background: Core ML and Apple's On-Device AI Evolution

Core ML launched in 2017 as part of iOS 11, providing developers a unified API to integrate trained machine learning models into apps — with all inference running on-device to preserve privacy and performance. It supports CNNs, transformers, diffusion models, and more, across image, text, and audio tasks.

Core ML / Core AI Timeline

2017

Core ML launches with iOS 11

~3B

Parameters in Apple on-device Foundation Models (2025)

Jun 2026

Core AI expected at WWDC

9

Years Core ML has shipped across Apple platforms

Key Milestones — Core ML to Core AI

  • •2017: Core ML debuts with iOS 11 — on-device ML inference for app developers.
  • •2024–2025: Apple Intelligence integrates Core ML with private cloud compute and on-device models for Siri and Visual Intelligence.
  • •Jun 2025: Foundation Models framework released — developers access a ~3B parameter on-device language model for generative AI features.
  • •Mar 2026: Core ML updated with advanced generative model optimization, granular weight compression, and multi-function state management.
  • •Jun 2026 (planned): Core AI replaces Core ML at WWDC 2026 — same on-device purpose, new name aligned with industry terminology.

2. What Changes and What Doesn't

Based on Gurman's reporting, Core AI is not a ground-up architectural replacement — it is a rebranding and modernization of Core ML within Apple's broader push to align its developer tools with the "AI" terminology that has become standard across the industry since 2023.

Core ML vs. Core AI

  • •Name: Core ML → Core AI
  • •Purpose: Unchanged — on-device integration of external AI models into apps.
  • •Execution model: On-device inference remains the default, preserving Apple's privacy positioning.
  • •Transition approach: Both frameworks may coexist during the transition, per MacTech — similar to past Apple API evolutions.
  • •Backward compatibility: Full details pending WWDC sessions; developers using Core ML in existing apps likely see a migration path.

Foundation Models Context

Core AI sits alongside — not replacing — the Foundation Models framework introduced in June 2025, which gives developers direct access to Apple's own ~3B parameter on-device language model. Core AI handles integration of external AI models into apps; Foundation Models surfaces Apple's own on-device LLM. Both are part of the Apple Intelligence developer stack.

3. WWDC 2026: Expected Scope

WWDC 2026 — expected in early-to-mid June — will preview Apple's full next OS generation alongside the Core AI announcement. No official dates have been confirmed as of March 1, 2026.

WWDC 2026 — Expected Announcements

  • •OS previews: iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS.
  • •Developer AI tools: Core AI unveil — the centerpiece AI framework announcement.
  • •Siri & Gemini: Further Gemini integration for Siri enhancements and chatbot-like capabilities, per Bloomberg January 2026 reports.
  • •Apple Intelligence: Expanded on-device and private cloud compute features building on 2025 rollout.

The Core AI announcement will arrive in the same week Apple previews what developers will build on for the next year — making the WWDC session details more consequential than the name change itself. For Apple's March 2026 hardware lineup — including the new entry-level MacBook, iPhone 17e, and MacBook Air M5 — see our Apple March 2–4 product coverage.

When "machine learning" gets rebranded to "AI" in the same framework slot, the only thing truly replaced is three letters on the API docs.