Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), its annual developers’ event, is set to start tonight, June 5. Typically, it showcases new operating systems for iPhones, Macs, smart watches, iPads, and Apple TVs. But if the rumors are true, we’ll see something even more significant this year: introducing a mixed-reality headset.
Apple has a long history of releasing game-changing technology, starting with a bow-tied Steve Jobs peddling the first Mac in 1984. But the company hasn’t always been first to market with a given device, and that’s especially true in the case of virtual reality. Apple sent WWDC 2023 invites to VR specialists, which suggests it will have something to unveil in this area.
But if the company wants its headset to succeed, it must build a platform to run on. And a platform requires an operating system, which rumor has it will be called xrOS. WWDC is a good place to introduce such an OS because it will be packed to the rafters with excited app developers. So expect to see familiar apps like Freeform and FaceTime reinvented for the headset’s unique capabilities.
How to watch the WWDC 2023 event
If you cannot attend the event in person, you can watch it live on the official event website or your iOS device with the Apple Events app. The live stream will begin at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET / 6 pm BT on June 5 and be available for 30 days afterward.
In addition to the WWDC keynote, there will also be a special session for developers who want to share their experiences working on AR/VR projects with other Apple engineers. And there will be a second session for developers who want to learn more about the future of AR/VR from a panel of experts.
WWDC is usually filled with surprises, but it’s hard to predict what will happen this year. Historically, Apple has offered some discount on its hardware during the event, but that’s probably not in the cards this time. Instead, it will be interesting to see if Apple reveals any software-first features that fans have requested, such as multitasking for the iPad or CarPlay support on the Mac.
It’s also possible that Apple will finally unveil its much-anticipated Reality AR/VR headset. Still, recent production hiccups could mean the device is delayed until later this year or beyond. Of course, it would be a shame for the headset to be released before Apple has the right apps to show off its potential, but it makes sense that the company doesn’t want to launch it until it’s ready.
