Apple sets hybrid WWDC dates with AI updates expected

Apple will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference online from 8 to 12 June, with an in-person event at Apple Park on 8 June.

The annual developer conference will open with Apple's keynote and Platforms State of the Union, followed by more than 100 video sessions, group labs and appointments with Apple engineers and designers.

The event will be available through the Apple Developer app, Apple's developer website and YouTube. In China, coverage will also be distributed through Apple's Developer bilibili channel.

WWDC will focus on updates across Apple's software platforms, including artificial intelligence developments, as well as new software and tools for developers. The programme is intended to give developers direct access to engineers and designers, along with details on frameworks, features and other platform changes.

Developer Focus

The in-person gathering at Apple Park will give selected developers and students a chance to watch the keynote and Platforms State of the Union on site, meet Apple staff, join labs and activities, and connect with other members of the developer community. Places will be limited.

The conference remains one of Apple's main forums for outlining changes to the software that underpins the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro ecosystem. For developers, it often provides the first detailed look at tools and technical changes that can affect how apps are built and updated across Apple devices.

By keeping the main conference online, Apple is continuing a format that gives it global reach while retaining a smaller in-person element for selected attendees. The hybrid approach provides broad access to sessions and announcements while reserving face-to-face meetings and labs for a limited group in Cupertino.

Alongside the conference programme, Apple is continuing its Swift Student Challenge, which recognises student developers. Winning students are due to be notified separately and will be able to request attendance at the Apple Park event.

Apple will also recognise 50 Distinguished Winners for their submissions and invite them to Cupertino for a three-day experience. The student programme has become a regular part of the company's developer outreach, aimed at drawing younger coders and designers into its software ecosystem.

AI Updates

This year's conference is set to include AI-related announcements, underlining how central artificial intelligence has become to platform strategy across the technology sector. Large technology groups have increasingly used their annual developer events to explain how AI features will be integrated into consumer software and how outside developers can use those systems in their own apps.

For Apple, the conference offers a closely watched opportunity to show how AI features will sit alongside broader updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS and tvOS. Any changes introduced at WWDC are likely to shape software roadmaps for developers that rely on Apple's operating systems and app distribution infrastructure.

Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of worldwide developer relations, said the event remains a focal point for the company's developer network. "WWDC is one of the most exciting times for us at Apple because it's a chance for our incredible global developer community to come together for an electrifying week that celebrates technology, innovation and collaboration.

"We can't wait to see many of you online and in person for what is sure to be one of our best WWDC events yet."