WWDC 2024: Will AI Be The Spotlight?

Author(s): UPDF

Originally published on Towards AI.

WWDC 2024: Will AI Be The Spotlight?

The stage is again set for the most awaited event in the world. However, this time around, there are different expectations. Since Apple hinted at AI-related news, many people have been wondering what will be at the center of attention. Is it Artificial Intelligence?

Diving into a mix of rumors and predictions, we are here to dissect WWDC 2024. We will explore whether AI will be the focus and what you need to know when WWDC happens.

We will also discuss how you can participate and what is happening in WWDC 2024. But before we discover what lies ahead, let’s understand the WWDC program.

Part 1. What is WWDC 2024?

Apple hosts the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), one of the biggest events. Every year, Apple invites developers from around the world. The motive is to introduce what’s next in its software and technologies.

The conference usually takes place in June and lasts for a week. It includes a program where Apple announces major updates and new products. There are also many sessions, workshops, and hands-on labs. These activities help developers learn about the latest tools and features directly from Apple’s engineers.

At WWDC 2024, you can expect to discover updates for operating systems like iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Sometimes, Apple also reveals new devices or services. If you are thinking of joining the program, let’s share some more insights with you!

Part 2. When Does The WWDC 2024 Start?

WWDC 2024 will start from June 10 to June 14. The conference usually kicks off with a big keynote presentation on the first day. In this keynote, Apple’s top executives introduce the major updates and new products.

The event will be hosted at Apple Park in Cupertino, California. It will be a blend of virtual and in-person interaction. However, only a selected number of developers and students can engage with Apple engineers. If you are interested in participating, keep reading. The next section is about how you can get into the event.

Part 3. How to Participate in the WWDC 2024?

If you want to be a part of WWDC 2024, various ways can get you in. This section will explore all these ways. You can walk through it and decide which one sounds suitable.

Let’s explore it together!

Online Participation

● WWDC 2024 Online:

One of the best ways to participate in this event is online. Apple streams its keynote and many other sessions live on its website. It is free, which means anyone can watch it. The best part is that you can watch it from anywhere.

● App Developer App:

Another way to access WWDC 2024 is the Apple Developer app, website, and YouTube channel. Apple livestreams the sessions via this app and updates the event schedule as well. You can use the app to follow along with the event.

● Swift Student Challenge:

If you are a tech student, you must know about the Swift Student Challenge. It is another way to participate in the program. You will connect to the developers and get access to exclusive online sessions, forums, and resources.

In-Person Participation (Limited Space)

● Attend In-Person:

Apple usually holds events at Apple Park. If you want to participate in person, you can apply for tickets. There is a lot of competition for these tickets. However, Apple selects the participants randomly. The good thing is that tickets are free.

● Attend Local Events:

Local developer communities sometimes gather to view and discuss WWDC. Such events can provide an enjoyable opportunity to watch the keynote together with others and talk about the news.

If you wanted to attend WWDC 2024, you could have applied at the Apple Developer Website. But the requests are closed now. They were open for the following:

● Current Apple Developer Program or Apple Developer Enterprise Program members.

● Apple Entrepreneur Camp alums.

● Swift Student Challenge winners from 2022 to 20244.

Now that we know how to participate in WWDC 2024, let’s move forward and find out what will happen in the event.

Part 4. What Will Happen in WWDC 2024?

The World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) is expected to be thrilling this time. A lot will happen in the program. Here is a list of expected announcements and activities:

● Keynote Presentation:

WWDC will hold its keynote presentation on Monday, June 10, 2024. Apple’s top official will give details of their next operating systems there. Additionally, they will introduce new features, design changes, and cool ways to use your Apple device. It will be an online event with some special in-person attendees at Apple Park, California.

● Expected Announcements:

iOS 18: A new version focusing on AI and several accessibility features.

iPadOS 18: The latest update for iPad devices.

macOS 15: The next iteration of the macOS.

watchOS 11: Updates for the Apple Watch.

tvOS 18: The newest version of Apple TV.

visionOS 2: An update to visionOS, presumably related to augmented reality or similar technologies

● Focus on AI:

This year, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the talk of the table. We might see advancements in Siri and Apple’s virtual assistant. They will make these two smarter and more helpful. Also, there will be AI-powered automation for your day-to-day tasks.

● Developer Sessions and Labs:

Apple will hold online sessions and labs throughout WWDC 2024 week, especially for developers. They can attend the sessions and engage with Apple engineers. It will help them share insights and build even more amazing apps for Apple products.

● Apple Design Awards:

As we all know, WWDC is incomplete without awards. There is always a program that recognizes the creativity of app developers. So, in WWDC 2024, Apple will also hold its annual design awards. They will celebrate innovative and well-designed apps across various categories.

Well, among all these announcements, one concern is whether WWDC 2024 is going to be AI-centric. If you want to know the answer, read the next section.

Part 5. Is the AI the Key Focus for WWDC 2024?

Yes, there are high chances! Because all rumors and predictions are about AI, so there is no doubt left that in WWDC 2024, AI will be the main focus. However, If you still want to have some reasons behind that, here you go:

Focus on Siri: According to the reports, Siri will undergo a major overhaul. Apple developers aim to make it smarter and more helpful. So, what does this indicate? Of course, Apple is focusing on AI to improve its virtual assistant.

Apple’s Marketing Tease: Greg Joswiak, senior marketing president at Apple, teased the event as “Absolutely Incredible.” The capitalized letters “AI” give us a hint of Artificial Intelligence.

CEO’s Statement: Apple’s CEO Tim Cook also mentioned that the company is investing a tremendous amount of time and effort in AI. He also added that he is excited to share their ongoing work in the AI space.

Integration of AI Models: Rumors are floating that Apple will integrate Google’s AI model Gemini into its phone ecosystem. Apple is majorly focusing on generative AI features, such as improving Siri.

The Need to Compete: AI assistants like ChatGPT and Copilot are raising the bar. Apple might want to advance its own AI as it always wants to stay ahead of the curve.

However, we still need to wait until Apple discloses its official plans at the event.

Final Words

Apple’s WWDC 2024 is the talk of the town nowadays. This article has explored almost everything you need to know about WWDC: what it is when it happens, how to participate, and more. Plus, we discovered if Apple is stepping into the AI space and how we knew.

Until the official announcements happen, don’t forget that AI is already turning the tables. If you’re looking to improve your work efficiency with AI, meet UPDF. It is an Al-powered tool offering features like smart document editing, data extraction, file conversion, and more.

So, tune in to WWDC 2024 and see how Apple leverages AI. Meanwhile, download UPDF AI and explore how it can boost your productivity!

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Published via Towards AI