Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference returns June 5, 2023

This past week, Apple announced the dates for its annual developer conference:

Entire conference available online for all developers, with a special in-person experience at Apple Park on June 5

Submissions for the Swift Student Challenge are open now through April 19

Every year around June Apple gathers developers and journalists to announce its upcoming new version of its growing list of software iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, etc. platforms. And on occasion, Apple will announce a new hardware or two. More often than not, Apple reserves the focus of the WWDC to software only. However, rumors are growing that Apple will finally release its long-delayed and often rumor AR headset.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced it will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in an online format from June 5 through 9, 2023, with an opportunity for developers and students to celebrate in person at a special experience at Apple Park on opening day. Free for all developers, WWDC23 will spotlight the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS advancements. As part of Apple’s ongoing commitment to helping developers create innovative apps, the event will also provide them with unique access to Apple engineers, as well as insight into new technologies and tools to help them realize their visions.

Apple has stated it will share additional conference information in advance of WWDC23 through the Apple Developer app and on the Apple Developer website.

I am somewhat optimistic we will see the new AR headset. Though, I will also wait to see what will be the price range for the said headset. Most of the current versions of AR and VR headsets are clunky and very expensive. Other than a toy I have yet to see its practicality. However, if Apple can prove it is providing a way that is more affordable and less massive than Meta's VR headset, we might see some adoption.

Still, I worry we will get nothing more than an announcement with nothing released this year. There have been other rumors that Apple is now pushing this release knowing it's still not ready.

I remember reading somewhere Tim Cook is hoping to have one final big product release before announcing his retirement. I'm wondering if this is why there is a push to announce the AR headset this year. We shall see!