Apple is bringing its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2017 in San Jose, California, closer to its home in Cupertino. The event has always been about software rather than hardware so updates on the latest versions of iOS, MacOs, tvOS, and watchOS are naturally expected. Though basically a developer's gig, consumers often get big reveals in Apple's keynote speech.
Apple brings its WWDC event to San Jose, California after years of holding the event in San Francisco. The Moscone West in San Francisco is currently under renovation, which explains the move to California. Moreover, the location of the McEnery Convention Center is also ideal since it is closer to Cupertino, the Apple headquarters. The event will be from June 5 to 9 and registration starts on March 27 at this site.
Like in recent Apple WWDCs, participants will be picked by lottery and those who are selected will need to pay $1,599 to participate. Pre-lottery days had tickets selling out under two minutes and disappointing a lot of developers who wish to join. This year will have the same number of participants, 5,000 developers and 1,000 engineers although more Apple tech personnel may be enticed because of a more convenient venue. With the venue so close to home, Apple may finally open its doors to its fabled Apple Campus 2, also dubbed as the "spaceship" because of its circular design, Fortune reported.
Apple's WWDC is known as a software-focused instead of a hardware event. Apple may more likely unveil its plans for the iOS, MacOS, tvOS and watchOS. The latest iOS 11 may reveal more of the AI-powered Siri assistant as competition on this market steadily gains ground. Apple may want to boast of its own innovations amidst Amazon Alexa's learning new skills and Samsung's work on its own personal assistant.
Though mobile devices provide the bulk of Apple's revenues, MacOS will have its share of the limelight and feature more of the MacOS and iOS integration. Moreover, according to Bloomberg , Apple is expected to unveil a new streaming device that will be able to play Ultra High-Definition 4K. This will be the fifth-generation Apple TV called the J105. Apple's WDCC 2017 may also feature the latest watchOS update.
However, it is the keynote address of Apple for WDCC 2017 that many are watching out for. Previous WDCC speeches revealed the iOS 10 for the iPhone and the iPad, an improved Siri integration, Home App's debut and the enhanced maps. The iPhone 8 is also heavily expected albeit in just a sneak preview. More details will be revealed as the week-long event draws closer.
