Get ready for Apple's annual developers conference, WWDC 2024, featuring AI advancements and major software updates. (Apple)
Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is slated to kick off in June this year, as announced by the tech giant on Wednesday. Traditionally held at Apple's headquarters, the event will be accessible worldwide through online streaming, offering developers a glimpse into the upcoming software developments and enhancements for the following year.
Anticipated highlights of this year's event include the unveiling of new artificial intelligence (AI) features and functionalities expected to be integrated into Apple's forthcoming software updates.
Scheduled to commence on June 10, WWDC 2024 will adopt an online format with access to video sessions. Additionally, the keynote event will feature an in-person component on its inaugural day, albeit with limited space. Interested parties, including enthusiasts and developers, can apply to attend either through the Apple Developer app or the company's official website.
Furthermore, winners of the Swift Student challenge will have the opportunity to vie for attendance at the in-person event, as confirmed by Apple.
While Apple tends to keep specifics under wraps until the event, industry insights and prior reports offer some hints about what to anticipate at WWDC 2024. The company is anticipated to narrow the gap with rivals such as Samsung and Google by introducing new generative AI-driven features across its range of devices. Collaborations with AI firms like Google and Baidu are reportedly being explored to bolster support for cloud-based GenAI functionalities.
This year's WWDC is expected to shed light on the forthcoming major updates to Apple's operating systems, including iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18. These updates are anticipated to incorporate various AI-driven features and experiences, some of which will be cloud-based while others will be available directly on the device. Notably, iOS 18 is rumored to feature a revamped interface allowing users greater flexibility in icon placement on the screen.
However, it's unlikely that new Apple Silicon chips will be unveiled at the event, given that the M3 chips were announced much later in the previous year, during the 'Scary fast' event in October 2023.
Although Apple typically reserves hardware announcements for separate events held throughout the year, recent speculation suggests the possibility of unveiling new iPad Air and OLED-equipped iPad Pro models. Additionally, there's a chance for Apple to introduce new devices or accessories during the WWDC. Notably, at WWDC 2023, the company revealed its inaugural wearable mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, hinting that similar announcements could be in store for this year's event, including the rumored AirPods models.
