The annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) will take place June 8–12, according to an update Monday on the Apple Developer website — setting the stage for what promises to be one of the company’s most anticipated software events in years. The event will mark the arrival of iOS 27, macOS 27 and more.
Apple sets June dates for WWDC26
Held every summer, WWDC is Apple’s marquee event for unveiling the next generation of its software platforms. For the millions of people who use iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Vision Pro, the conference signals the arrival of major new operating system versions. At WWDC26, that will include iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27 and visionOS 27.
The conference is officially aimed at developers. But the software announcements affect every Apple user when the new operating systems roll out publicly in the fall.
How to watch
The event is online and free, with sessions available through the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website and Apple’s YouTube channel. Anyone can follow along live, making WWDC as much a public spectacle as a developer gathering.
Apple typically opens the week with a pre-recorded Keynote — the big-picture consumer announcement. That’s followed by the more technical Platforms State of the Union, and then days of in-depth video sessions led by Apple engineers and designers.
An in-person day at Apple Park
Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
For developers who want to experience the magic firsthand, Apple offers a special in-person event at its Cupertino headquarters on Monday, June 8. Attendees will watch the Keynote and Platforms State of the Union alongside fellow developers. They can also meet with Apple experts in one-on-one and group labs, explore the campus and take part in special activities.
Spots are limited and awarded by random selection. Current Apple Developer Program and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members can apply, as well as Swift Student Challenge winners from 2024 through 2026. Apple accepts submissions until 11:59 p.m. Pacific on Monday, March 30. It notifies applicants about their status by the end of the day on Thursday, April 2.
And Swift Student Challenge Distinguished Winners get an automatic invitation to an extended experience. They can enjoy a three-day visit to Cupertino that includes the special event at Apple Park.
What to expect
Beyond the headline operating system releases, WWDC previews new developer tools, frameworks and APIs. They’re the building blocks that third-party app makers use to bring new features to the apps you rely on every day.
Given Apple’s ongoing push with Apple Intelligence and its suite of on-device AI features, this year’s conference is widely expected to bring significant advances. They could include deeper Siri integrations, expanded Writing Tools and new AI-powered capabilities across the system.
So WWDC26 begins June 8. Keep an eye on apple.com and the Apple Developer app for the latest updates as the event approaches.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
