Worldwide Developers Conference
Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC is the biggest regular meeting for computer wizards organized by Apple. It reminds a giant family reunion of creative people from all over the world who make apps and complicated programs for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. The conference started already in the previous millennium but is it still relevant today?
Beginning of WWDC
The origins of the conference go back to 1983 when computers were just starting to become popular utensil to have at home not just at work. Apple was working new model, Macintosh for the "mass-market" - all-in-one desktop personal computer with a graphical user interface, built-in screen and mouse - something is taken for granted today. It was clear that any computer, no matter how wonderful, is not very useful without interesting things to do on it. Apple needed partners and hobby enthusiasts to create games, drawing programs, tools for writing and all other useful and fun applications. The motivation was to bring developers together, share the future vision and build it together. It all started as Apple Independent Software Developers Conference and only in 1990 renamed to Worldwide Developers Conference or WWDC.
Growing Up
Over the years Apple and WWDC grew in tandem. The conference became the place to be for anyone serious about making software for Apple products. When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in the late 1990s the WWDC became even more electrifying.
Steve Jobs was famous for his captivating presentations. People would wait with bated breath for his keynote speech (often called Stevenote) - the traditional big opening presentation where he would reveal Apple's latest plans. Sometimes when he seemed to be finished, he would pause, smile and say, "one more thing..." This usually meant he was about to reveal something extra special, maybe a completely new product! It became a famous catchphrase and the audience loved the suspense.
Apple loves surprises and WWDC is the perfect occasion to uncover few. In the weeks leading up to WWDC nobody outside a tiny circle at Apple knows for sure what would be announced. Developers attending the conference would be buzzing with rumors, guessing what magic Apple would unveil. Sometimes big banners announcing new software would be put up inside the conference center but covered with black cloths until after the keynote reveal. This thorough preparation would add to the sense of excitement and mystery like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.
WWDC Today?
Apple hold this big gathering every year, usually in early June. Its purpose has grown, but the core idea remains the same: WWDC is till mostly about the future of Apple's software - the "brains", those OSes inside every iPhone, Mac computer, Apple Watch and Apple TV. This is the time when Apple unveils new software ideas to the world and especially to the developers.
The conference serves several key purposes today. First, WWDC is Apple's big announcement stage. The opening keynote presentation is watched by millions globally online. This is where Apple's leaders showcase the next major versions of operating systems packed with the new features.
Second, WWDC is a great learning opportunity for developers. After the initial announcements the rest of the week is filled with hundreds of online video sessions and labs where Apple engineers explain new tools and technologies in detail. They teach developers how to use the new additions in their own apps. There are sessions on everything imaginable: from designing beautiful app user interfaces to making apps run faster and protecting user privacy.
Third, it is a chance for connection. Developers can talk directly with Apple engineers online, ask questions and get help with tricky problems. There is also theoretically the possibility of getting to know the 'secret' technological changes coming down the road. In the end the great work is recognized by the Apple Design Awards, which are like the Oscars for apps. Needless to say that there are many things to celebrate everyday during the week and the WWDC Bash where attendees chill out, enjoy the concert and play games!
What to Expect at WWDC 2025?
Apple has already announced that will host the conference from June 9 to 13, 2025. Attendance to WWDC is primarily open to members of the Apple Developer Program. In-person tickets were historically priced at $1,599 and allocated via an online lottery due to high demand. Since 2020, WWDC has adopted a hybrid format with free online access for all developers worldwide.
This year, there are expectations to see iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, watchOS 12 and visionOS 3. It is clear that Artificial Intelligence will take the center stage with Apple unveiling major updates to its proprietary AI platform, Apple Intelligence. In addition, there could be the debut year of Home OS - a dedicated operating system designed to manage smart home devices including a new complementary device like smart Home-Pod.
Should You Attend?
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is much more than just a technical meeting openly available online. It is a convergence of creative minds and groundbreaking ideas that inspire, energize the entire community for the rest of the year. Got interested? - How to watch online and even how to attend in person is found on the WWDC25 site!