Apple has announced that WWDC 2020 will be virtual and it will be free to all developers. This year’s conference will take place online only, marking a significant shift from the traditional in-person event held annually in California.
You will be able to watch and participate in the 2020 Worldwide Developers Conference in the Apple Developer App and also on Apple’s Developer website. This new format aims to make the event more accessible to developers around the world, eliminating the need for travel and accommodation expenses.
What to Expect from WWDC 2020
The virtual WWDC 2020 promises to be packed with exciting announcements, sessions, and hands-on labs. Apple is expected to unveil the latest updates to its operating systems, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Developers will have the opportunity to learn about new tools and technologies that will help them create innovative apps and services.
“WWDC20 will be our biggest yet, bringing together our global developer community of more than 23 million in an unprecedented way for a week in June to learn about the future of Apple platforms,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We can’t wait to meet online in June with the global developer community and share with them all of the new tools we’ve been working on to help them create even more incredible apps and services. We look forward to sharing more details about WWDC20 with everyone as we get closer to this exciting event.”
In addition to the keynote and sessions, Apple will also host the Swift Student Challenge, an opportunity for student developers to showcase their coding skills by creating an interactive scene in the Swift Playgrounds app. This initiative highlights Apple’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of developers.
The Impact of a Virtual Conference
The decision to move WWDC 2020 online comes in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the cancellation or virtualization of many large events. By going virtual, Apple ensures the safety of its community while still providing valuable content and networking opportunities.
This new format could set a precedent for future conferences, even beyond the pandemic. Virtual events can reach a broader audience, reduce environmental impact, and offer more flexible participation options. However, they also present challenges, such as replicating the networking and spontaneous interactions that occur at in-person events.
Apple’s move to a virtual WWDC also reflects a broader trend in the tech industry. Companies like Google and Microsoft have also transitioned their developer conferences online, leveraging digital platforms to connect with their communities. This shift underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of unprecedented challenges.
You can find out more information about the 2020 WWDC over at Apple at the link below. It will be interesting to see how this new online format for Apple’s developer conference works out and whether it will influence the structure of future events.
Source Apple
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