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Posts tagged with "WWDC26"

Apple Schedules WWDC 2026 for June 8–12 Along with a Special Event at Apple Park

WWDC26 will be held from June 8–12 this year and include both an online and in-person event that will provide a limited number of developers the opportunity to watch the keynote at Apple Park, meet with Apple engineers, and take part in other activities. Details on eligibility and how to apply to attend WWDC can be found on the Apple Developer site and app.

In a press release issued by Apple today, Susan Prescott, the company’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations and Enterprise and Education Marketing, said:

“WWDC is one of the most exciting times for us at Apple because it’s a chance for our incredible global developer community to come together for an electrifying week that celebrates technology, innovation, and collaboration,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We can’t wait to see many of you online and in person for what is sure to be one of our best WWDC events yet.”

Although Apple hasn’t said so specifically, those not attending in person will undoubtedly be able to stream the WWDC keynote and Platforms State of the Union, watch dozens of videos explaining the new technologies being introduced later in the year, and meet with Apple engineers for online Q&A sessions.

As always, I’m excited for WWDC. I haven’t missed one since I first started attending in 2013, and I’m not going to start this year. It’s a time to catch up with family in the area, get together with developers and media people I rarely see in person, and meet new people, too. Despite the event being smaller than when it was held in San Francisco and San Jose, it’s still energizing to get together with others who are as excited as I am for what Apple has in store for its OSes in the fall.

Of course, MacStories readers can expect the same kind of comprehensive WWDC coverage we deliver every year. We’ll have extensive coverage on MacStories, AppStories, and MacStories Unwind that will extend to Club MacStories too.

Submissions Open for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge

Today, Apple opened up applications for the Swift Student Challenge. Students have until the end of February to submit an app playground built with Xcode or Swift Playground. According to Apple’s developer website:

  • No prior experience is needed. The Challenge is open to students of all levels who meet the eligibility requirements.
  • The Challenge is free to enter — all you need is access to a Mac or iPad with Xcode or Swift Playground.
  • Your app playground can be on any topic of your choice. The best app ideas come from subjects or experiences that you’re passionate about. 
  • Your app playground should be experienced within 3 minutes or less.
  • The Swift Student Challenge is a great opportunity for students to build their skills and create something great.

Apple also released a video explaining the Challenge, and additional resources are available for both students and educators.

After the submission period closes, Apple will pick 350 winners, who will receive a one-year membership in the Apple Developer Program and a gift. Of those winners, 50 will be selected as Distinguished Winners who will be invited to visit Apple Park in Cupertino for a three-day visit, which in past years was held during WWDC.

for me, the kickoff of the Swift Student Challenge is the beginning of the build-up to WWDC, which is likely just four months away. It’s a great program that I know has inspired a lot of students to become the developers whose apps we cover at MacStories. Federico and I have also had the pleasure of interviewing many of the winners in the past and have always come away impressed and inspired what they create as part of the Challenge. I’m sure this year will be no different.