Apple’s WWDC 2023 starts June 5: Here’s what to expect

Apple's WWDC is back and this time the developer conference will take place between June 5 and June 9, 2023.

WWDC is Apple's biggest event of the year

Apple typically unveils new software versions of iOS, macOS, WatchOS and iPadOS at the conference. (Image credit: Apple)

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Apple on Wednesday announced that it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, from June 5 to June 9 in an online format. But like last year, there will be an offline component to it, with the company having an in-person experience for a select few at Apple Park in Cupertino, California.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, says this year’s WWDC is going to be our “biggest and most exciting yet.” Of course, Apple hasn’t revealed what it plans to launch at the company’s biggest developer-focused event. Like previous years, the multi-day conference, Apple will likely announce new versions of its software platforms such as iOS, macOS, iPadOS, WatchOS and more. Look out for iOS 17 and WatchOS 10 which are practically a given.

Over the years, Apple has also launched new hardware at its WWDC event. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Cupertino announces new Mac hardware at the event. The company has been teasing a pro-grade Mac Pro desktop computer for a year or so. Given the device will be aimed at coders and developers, WWDC 2023 is the perfect place to show the long-delayed computer to the world. There have also been rumours floating around a 15-inch MacBook Air.

Apple could also reveal its much-anticipated mixed-reality headset at the conference, according to Bloomberg. Cupertino has been reportedly working on the product for over 7 years. Typically, Apple takes a few more years than the competition to enter a new product category. Its latest major new product category, Apple Watch, was previewed in the fall of 2014 and released the following year. But in the case of extended reality (XR), the market for headsets is niche and no real use case that offers a compelling reason to buy an expensive headset.

Industry watchers are putting pressure on Apple to show its next big product, as the market for smartphones continues to shrink. Even if Apple goes ahead with its plan and teases its mixed-reality headset at the conference, there are still questions about how much the device will cost and what it will do differently. Some reports claim that Apple could charge as high as $3000 for the headset, which will be way more expensive than Meta’s Quest Pro, a mixed-reality headset which retails for $1500.

WWDC will provide a lot of clues as to where Apple is heading. This year’s WWDC will be streamed virtually for everyone for free.