The official invitation to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference 2023 went out Wednesday, confirming we’ll get our first look at what’s on the company’s near-term agenda on June 5. Apple promises WWDC23 will bring an opportunity “to learn the latest about Apple platforms, technologies, and tools.”
In other words, expect new versions of iOS, macOS and more — including a possible first look at the company’s long-rumored AR/VR headset (along with the software that will power the device).
WWDC23 will kick off with a keynote on June 5 and run the rest of that week. Even in this post-pandemic world, the event will be mostly online. However, a fortunate few developers and students will be able to watch the video keynote from Apple Park.
WWDC23 is (mostly) for developers
Ever since the first WWDC in 1983, Apple uses its annual event to showcase its upcoming technologies to developers who write software for the company’s devices. Sometimes Cupertino reveals new hardware, but upcoming versions of iOS, macOS and other software advances usually steal the show. As such, WWDC offers the clearest official picture of Apple’s roadmap for the rest of 2023 and beyond.
This year, the developers’ conference will take place June 5 through June 9. The keynote address will happen on the first day, and that’s almost certainly where CEO Tim Cook and other executives will officially announce iOS 17 and macOS 14, along with iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 and tvOS 17.
New hardware at WWDC23? Maybe.
Concept: Ahmed Chenni/Freelancer.com
New operating system versions are supposed to be the highlights of the giant developers conference each year, but Apple has unveiled new hardware at previous ones, too. That’s why there are predictions that the keynote for WWDC23 will bring the debut of Apple’s mixed-reality headset.
The device reportedly will run a new operating system called xrOS, and third-party devs will need to learn how to code software for it. That makes the WWDC a logical place to unveil the headset.
Another hardware possibility is the 2023 Mac Pro that has been the subject of much speculation.
Mostly online, partially in person
Apple says WWDC23 will be “all online and at no cost.” There hasn’t been a fully in-person developers’ conference at Apple Park since before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in 2020.
The event goes well beyond just the keynote address. As with in-person events, Apple will hold training sessions on new technologies it’s unveiling throughout the week. These will take place online, just as they have at previous conferences going back to 2020.
However, a group of randomly selected developers and students will be able to visit Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, for the first day.
“Apple will host a special all‑day event for developers and students on June 5 at Apple Park,” the company said in a statement. “Watch the keynote and State of the Union videos together, meet some of the teams at Apple, celebrate great apps at the Apple Design Awards ceremony.”
Visit Apple’s developer website to sign up for a chance to attend the special event. It’s not necessary for registered developers to sign up to attend the full virtual WWDC23.
