Apple just announced the dates for the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), one of the most important events in the tech giant’s calendar. WWDC 2024 kicks off on June 10, 2024, and runs through June 14, 2024.
The four-day event serves as a precursor to upcoming products and services from Apple. This year, the conference is mainly online, with the opening keynote on day one being a special in-person event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The live-streamed conference can be viewed by developers across the world.
Apple is set to showcase the latest iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, watchOS, tvOS, and for the first time, the visionOS for its mixed-reality headset – Apple Vision Pro, announced at the WWDC 2023.
As for what to expect from Apple at the WWDC 2024, the company always gives a preview of its upcoming software releases and some hardware. This year, the focus will be on its formal entry into artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
AI-focused Software Upgrades
As per reports by Bloomberg tech analyst Marc Gruman, iOS 18 is set to be one of the biggest updates as it will introduce new designs and AI-powered features to the iPhone. Apple’s AI could transform several apps and functions across the operating system, such as:
Design Changes in iOS18
There will also be major design changes in iOS18, with users finally getting the freedom to adjust how app icons are arranged. They can create spaces between icons, and introduce new rows and columns to give the interface a more unique look.
iOS18 will also introduce RCS to the Messages app, allowing seamless communication between iPhone and Android devices. RCS adds cross-platform support for sending pictures and videos, group chats, reading receipts, emojis, and typing indicators.
The latest generation of Apple’s smartphone OS will debut on the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro series in September 2024.
MacOS with AI Enhancements
Last year, Apple unveiled new Macbooks where the focus was on the computers’ machine learning and AI capabilities. The recently revealed 13-inch and 15-inch Macbook Air is being touted by the company as the most capable consumer-end laptop for AI.
At the WWDC 2024, Apple is expected to introduce the latest macOS that will inherit many of iOS18’s AI enhancements. Traditionally, the computer operating system is named after landmarks across California, and there are several name suggestions this year, including Redwood, Grizzly, and Sequoia.
Other Software Updates
Expect Apple to bring updates to its entire software lineup, including the watchOS 11, tvOS 18, HomePod Software 18, iPadOS 18, and the visionOS 2. At the time of writing, there is not much information available on the specifications of the software.
SWIFT Student Challenge
The Swift Student Challenge is a competition that encourages and rewards students who aspire to be the next generation of tech innovators.
The competition, which students from all over the world can participate in, involves them being asked to use their coding skills to make app playgrounds, reflecting real-world skills that they can apply in their programming careers.
This year, 50 students stand the chance to achieve the Distinguished Winners status for exceptional projects. They will earn a special visit to the Apple Campus in Cupertino and a one-year membership to the Apple Developer Program.
Mark Your Calendars
The opening day of WWDC 2024 will be a special event that attendees can catch online. Those who want to attend in person, such as developers and students, can put in a request on the Apple website before 00:00 PT on Wednesday, April 3rd.
Attendees can watch the keynote presentation live, participate in activities, and meet Apple’s team of engineers. There will be limited space available for the live event, so interested individuals should apply before the deadline.
