Despite a pandemic that has long since ended, Apple is still relying on an online event at its World Wide Developers Conference – this will also remain the case at WWDC 2024, which was announced this week for June 10th to 14th. However, there will again be a “special event” on the first day where invited guests will be able to watch at least a video presentation of the keynote. As always, this is a very exclusive event. Although it is free, receiving an invitation is rather difficult.
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Apple has set up its own website where you can apply. However, this is only possible for registered developers. After logging in, you find out that there isn't much time: Those interested can register until April 3rd at 11:59 p.m. California time. “Invitations will be randomly assigned and are non-transferable. You will be notified of your status by the end of the day (California time) on April 4, 2024,” writes Apple.
Two main groups of people are allowed to take part: current members of the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Developer Enterprise Program as well as alumni from the Apple Entrepreneur Camp. There is also an even more exclusive group of people: winners of the Swift Student Challenge in 2022 and 2023 plus those who win in 2024 (this will be announced during March 28th – the winners will even get to spend three days in Cupertino). Minors are also allowed to apply, but must be accompanied by a supervisor.
A day at Apple Park
The “Special Event” will take place on June 10th and is planned as an “all-day event” in Apple Park. After the keynote, which will be shown in the morning, there will be further programming – including the opportunity to speak to Apple experts. The day before, a Sunday, a “Welcome Reception” is also planned at Infinite Loop, Apple’s old campus. Apple is not providing any information about how many seats there will be for the special event at Apple Park. Last year there were refreshments after the morning of the keynote, then the “Platforms State of the Union” and finally several tours of Apple Park. The Apple Design Awards ceremony followed in the evening, followed by a meal.
WWDC 2024 can also be followed online as usual – with lectures and the opportunity to exchange ideas with Apple experts and other developers. However, this does not have the quality of an on-site event. It currently doesn't look like Apple will return to a face-to-face format.
(bsc)