Apple’s digital personal assistant was the first to know exactly when WWDC 2016 would take place. Even before Apple made an announcement, Siri began telling people who asked that Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference would run from June 13th to June 17th this year. Apple followed up this clever little marketing stunt with a formal confirmation later in the day.
Early today, asking Siri when WWDC 2016 would take place returned the “WWDC is not yet announced” answer that it has been giving for a while now. That changed around mid-day when it announced the dates and that “I can’t wait!” Apple’s press release followed later still.
Apple has not announced the full schedule but it should come as no surprise that it will be all about Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS.
“With four innovative operating systems and a new, intuitive programming language powering over 1 billion devices worldwide, there has never been a more exciting time to bring our developer community together,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “WWDC 2016 is going to be a landmark event for developers who are coding in Swift, and building apps and products for iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS. We can’t wait for everyone to join us — in San Francisco or through the live stream.”
While no schedule has been published, Apple has provided an overview of the event:
- over 1,000 Apple engineers supporting more than 150 hands-on labs and events to provide developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS technologies in their apps;
- access to the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS, and best practices for enhancing an app’s functionality, performance, quality and design;
- the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS developers from around the world — last year, 80 percent of developers attended for their first time, and in total, more than 70 countries were represented;
- a series of get-togethers for attendees focused on particular topics with special guest speakers and activities;
- engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with trailblazers and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment; and
- the Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.
While the event typically focuses on the software side of things, hardware announcements are not unheard of. One rumour suggests that Apple could use the event to unveil the next Apple Watch.
This year’s event will kick off with the keynote address at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The rest of the event will then take place at Moscone West.
Developers can now register for WWDC 2016. Like last year, a random draw will be used to select those who will be able to buy their tickets to this year’s event. Registration is open until April 22nd at 1700 PT. Winners of the draw will be notified and billed by Monday, April 25 at 1700 PT. Like last year, tickets will sell for US$1599.
Source : Apple