Apple announces plans for ‘biggest yet’ hybrid WWDC 2023
Apple has announced it will reprise last year’s format for WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2023, combining the best of an online event along with a special in-person day for the all-important keynote speech and state of the union address. WWDC begins this year on June 5.
It’s happening with hybrid
The company is choosing to lean into the highly successful online format it has used for the event ever since Covid hit us. Doing so still makes sense, given the continued risk of contagion from the disease and some differences between nations when it comes to booster vaccines. The company still doesn’t want to put people at too much risk. Not only this, but running an online event makes a lot of sense as Apple reaches more people faster that way.
The invitation will attract interest, given the way in which it both reprises Apple’s famed Apple Park stage, the Digital Crown on Apple Watch, a series of rainbow lenses, and also a kind of multi-colored version of the Siri icon you see when speaking to HomePod.
That’s a lot of room for speculation.
And while AR may or may not be part of the show, the invitation will get people talking. We’re hoping for first sight of the M3 Macs at the event.
What can you expect?
Free for all developers, WWDC23 will spotlight the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS advancements.
The entire conference will be available online for all developers, with a special in-person experience at Apple Park on June 5. Apple has also opened up to take submissions for the Swift Student Challenge, open until April 19.
Just as in previous years, developers will be able to spend time with Apple engineers. They will also be given information about any new tools and technologies the company may announce at the event.
The online program will include sessions, one-on-one labs, and opportunities to engage with Apple engineers and other developers. Spaces for the in-person event will be limited, and details on how to apply to attend that will be made available on the Apple Developer site and app.
Apple will share additional conference information in advance of WWDC23 through the Apple Developer app and on the Apple Developer website.
What Apple said
“WWDC is one of our favourite times of the year at Apple because it’s an opportunity to connect both online and in person with the talented developers from around the globe who make this community so extraordinary,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations.
“WWDC23 is going to be our biggest and most exciting yet, and we can’t wait to see many of you online and in person at this very special event!”
The Swift Student Challenge
With the help of Swift Playgrounds students from around the world are invited to create an app playground on a topic of their choice. Submissions for this year’s challenge are now open, and students can submit their work through April 19. For more information, visit the Swift Student Challenge website.
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