WWDC 2026 guide: Expected date, how to watch and new product rumors

WWDC is Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, an annual event where the company sets its software agenda for the coming year. It is considered the most important date on Apple’s calendar for developers and enthusiasts alike.

WWDC will start with a keynote in which Apple will unveil major updates to operating systems including iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. We may also see the company launch new Mac hardware.

Apple is yet to confirm the date when WWDC will begin, but we are fairly confident that it will start on Monday June 8, 2026, based on previous years. Apple reliably holds WWDC in the second week of June. If Apple follows usual practice WWDC will start with a keynote that will be live streamed from 10 a.m. PT.

For developers it’s the start of a summer-long process to get up to speed with new developments. For users, it’s a preview of the stuff they’re going to be using in the fall and throughout the next year.

In this article, we discuss how to watch WWDC 2026 and the major announcements (and some of the less exciting, but equally important, ones) you can expect to hear about. Some of these announcements – updates to the five big Apple operating systems, most obviously – are as predictable as the timing of the event. But we reckon Apple will spring a few surprises this year.

When is WWDC 2026 and when will the keynote start?

• WWDC: June 8 to June 12, 2026 (Expected)
• WWDC Keynote: Monday June 8 at 10am PT (Expected)

Apple has not yet officially announced the specific dates for WWDC 2026. However, based on the company’s established annual cycle, the conference typically takes place during the first or second week of June. In 2025 WWDC ran from June 9 to 13, with the keynote event on Monday June 9. Based on this, we expect that in 2026 it will run from June 8 to 12, with the keynote event on Monday June 8.

Apple usually confirms the date for WWDC around the end of March when it allows developers to enter a lottery and apply for a ticket to attend the keynote. Those who qualify have until the beginning of April to apply for tickets. We explain how current Apple Developer Program members, Apple Developer Enterprise Program members and Swift Student Challenge winners are able to apply for free tickets below.

The keynote is likely to start at the usual time of 10am Pacific Time. If you are wondering what time will the WWDC keynote start where you are, use this as a quick reference:

• U.S.: 10 a.m. (PDT), 11 a.m. (MDT), 12 p.m. (CDT), 1 p.m. (EDT)
• Canada: 2 p.m. (ADT)
• U.K.: 6 p.m. (BST)
• Europe: 7 p.m. (CEST)
• India: 10:30 p.m. (IST)
• Singapore and China: 1 a.m. the next day (SGT/CST)
• Japan: 2 a.m. the next day (JST)
• Australia: 1 a.m. the next day (AWST), 2:30 a.m. the next day (ACST), 3 a.m. the next day (AEST)
• New Zealand: 5 a.m. the next day (NZST)

How to watch WWDC 2026

When WWDC starts Apple will live stream the opening keynote on its website and elsewhere, including on YouTube and on the Apple TV app. This means you’ll be able to watch the presentation on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even PC.

Prior to the event, we will embed Apple’s live YouTube stream at the top of this article. We will also run a live blog so you can read our blow-by-blow account of what happens, including our expert opinions.

There are several ways to watch the WWDC keynote depending on your device:

• Apple.com: Watch on Apple’s own website.
• Apple TV App: Use TV app on a compatible TV, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
• YouTube: Watch on Apple’s YouTube channel.
• Other platforms: Access the stream using recent versions of Chrome or Firefox (MSE, H.264, and AAC required). To watch, visit the Apple Events page.
• Apple Developer App and Website: For those interested in the more technical “Platforms State of the Union” or specific developer sessions, these are hosted on the Apple Developer website and within the Apple Developer app.

What will Apple announce at WWDC 2026?

While developers are at the heart of WWDC, Apple uses the event to showcase its broader software roadmap and, at times, unveil new Macs and other products. In past years, we’ve seen a wide range of announcements, including major Mac updates. Here’s what we expect Apple to reveal at this year’s event, from software and hardware to the possibility of entirely new products.

Which software updates are expected at WWDC 2026?

WWDC is all about the software, so we can be certain that Apple will reveal details of its upcoming operating system updates for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, HomePod, and Apple Watch. Those updates will then be issued to developers as a beta to test, and then a few weeks later a public beta will start. Learn about participating in Apple’s beta software program so you can test the new software as soon as the beta arrives.

Eventually, the new software will be available for everyone to download in the fall (usually September for iOS/iPadOS/watchOS and either September or October for macOS.

Expected Software Updates

Apple is expected to announce the next generation of its primary operating systems, which will likely move to version number 27. These include:

• iOS 27: Expected to be the flagship announcement for iPhone, potentially featuring the long-delayed “Siri 2.0” overhaul.
• macOS 27: The successor to macOS 26 Tahoe.
• iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27: Updates across Apple’s wearable, home, and spatial computing platforms.

Following the event the first developer betas for these new operating systems will be released, with public betas following in July.

Key Software Features and AI Developments

The most significant focus for WWDC 2026 is expected to be the completion of the “Apple Intelligence” roadmap. While many features were originally promised for 2024 and 2025, several major components have been pushed into the 2026 calendar year.

• The “New Siri” (Siri 2.0): After multiple delays, a revamped Siri powered by Google’s Gemini is expected to be a central pillar of the 2026 software announcements. While the expected Siri overhaul is to be powered by Gemini, it’ll likely be a bespoke version running on Apple’s own servers to ensure it can retain its high standards regarding users’ data privacy.
• Expanded AI Integration: Building on the “Playlist Playground” and “Writing Tools” introduced in the iOS 26.4 and macOS 26.4 betas, Apple is likely to debut more advanced generative AI features for its Pro apps and system-wide utilities for iOS 27.
• Interface Refinements: Apple may further unify the design language across macOS and iPadOS, potentially adding more “Dynamic Island” functionality to the Mac.

Developer Tools and APIs

For developers, Apple typically introduces new versions of Xcode and updated Swift frameworks. APIs may be updated to allow third-party apps to integrate more deeply with Apple’s identity and payment systems. Additionally, Metal, a key technology for Mac game developers, enabling features like MetalFX Frame Interpolation, will likely see further expansion at WWDC.

Also read: The 10 most significant WWDC software announcements of all time

Will Apple launch new hardware at WWDC 2026?

WWDC tends to be a software-focused event, so new hardware is never guaranteed. In addition, Apple has already completed a major spring launch cycle in March 2026, which included the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, and M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro models. However, there are still several hardware products that are rumored or expected to appear at the June 2026 event.

Expected Mac Updates

Based on current release cycles and expert analysis, several Mac models are due for an M5-series upgrade.

• Mac Studio and Mac Pro: These professional desktops are expected to receive updates to the M5 Max and a potential M4 Ultra or M5 Ultra chip by June 2026.
• Mac mini: The compact desktop is expected to benefit from a M5 and M5 Pro update.
• iMac: The consumer-focused all-in-one is a candidate for an M5 chip refresh during the WWDC timeframe.

Other rumored products

• Smart Glasses and Wearables: Reports from late 2025 suggested Apple might provide a “first glimpse of its smart glasses” soon. Given the developer focus of WWDC, a preview of the software platform for these glasses or a new AI-powered pendant is possible.
• Home Automation: Apple is reportedly developing a new home hub and a doorbell camera featuring Face ID, which could be integrated into the broader HomeKit discussions at the conference.
• HomePod/HomeHub: There are lots of rumors about different products, from a HomePod with a display to a screen with a robot arm.

Q&A

What is WWDC?

WWDC stands for the Worldwide Developers Conference and is dedicated to the third-party software and hardware developers that create apps and accessories for Apple’s platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod and Vision Pro.

At the event Apple previews the software that will be coming to iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and so on, later in the year. A beta program starts after the event so that developers can start testing the new software, find out ways to use new features, and make sure it works with their apps.

Sometimes Apple launches new hardware at WWDC, but the key focus is always software.

What happens at WWDC?

The event typically begins with a high-profile keynote presentation that provides a “sneak peek” at the next versions of Apple’s software. Beyond the announcements, it is a week-long conference designed for the global developer community to learn about new technologies and APIs.

What happened at WWDC 2025

This event was particularly significant due to a massive visual overhaul and a change in how Apple names its software. It included:

• The “Liquid Glass” Redesign: Apple introduced a new design language called Liquid Glass, which brought translucent, reflective, and glossy elements across all platforms . This aesthetic features curved “squircles,” glass-like layers that react to content beneath them, and a fully transparent menu bar in macOS.
• Unified Version Numbering: Starting with the 2025 event, Apple synchronized the version numbers of all its operating systems to reflect the upcoming year. Consequently, the successors to iOS 18 and macOS 15 were named iOS 26 and macOS 26 Tahoe.
• Apple Intelligence and Siri: While Apple continued to integrate AI features—such as AI-powered battery management and smarter Reminders—the long-awaited “New Siri” revamp faced further delays. Reports following the event indicated that the more conversational, context-aware version of Siri might not arrive until late 2026 or 2027.

Key Software Features included:

• macOS 26 Tahoe: Introduced a significant overhaul to Spotlight, new mobile apps for the Mac (like Journal), and “Live Translation” for real-time communication in FaceTime and Messages.
• iPadOS 26: Added “Mac-like” multitasking, allowing apps like Final Cut Pro to continue intensive processes in the background, and replaced the circular cursor with a desktop-style arrow .
  watchOS 26: Opened the Apple Watch Control Center to third-party widgets for the first time, allowing apps like Spotify or Strava to offer one-tap toggles

Who should watch WWDC

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is a cornerstone event for anyone deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, ranging from professional software creators to casual device owners. While the week-long program is technically dense, the opening keynote is designed for a global audience.

WWDC is considered the second-biggest event on Apple’s calendar, surpassed only by the fall iPhone launch. It’s the event to watch if you want to get insight into Apple’s long-term strategic vision. If you own an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or Apple TV, the WWDC keynote is highly relevant because it give you a sneak peek at the new software coming to your devices later in the year.

How to attend WWDC

WWDC is primarily a digital event with all registered Apple developers able to get online access to session videos, slides, and sample code throughout the week.

There is usually an in-person event at Apple Park though. If you want to attend WWDC and the keynote in person you have to enter a lottery and apply for a ticket to attend the keynote alongside other developers. There is a lot of competition for those tickets, which are randomly selected from those who apply and aren’t transferable. The good news is that tickets are free, at least.

To be in with a chance of attending, it is necessary to enter the lottery, for which you have to apply through Apple’s website. Eligibility is generally restricted to the following groups:

• Current members of the Apple Developer Program or Apple Developer Enterprise Program.
• Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni.
• Swift Student Challenge winners (who are often included in a separate selection process, with notifications typically sent in May).

The lottery for tickets allocated for 2025 started at the end of March and those interested had to apply by the beginning of April. The lucky applicants were notified of their success in getting a ticket at the beginning of April.

Apple invites developers to participate in a series of classes, workshops, and sessions to learn about the system-wide changes coming to the major software platforms in the coming year so they can update their apps. Some lucky developers even get to watch the event live in person.

You can find out more about how to get tickets to WWDC in our FAQ. Apple will share additional conference information in advance of WWDC26 through the Apple Developer app.

How much does WWDC cost to attend

The format of WWDC has shifted significantly in recent years. While it was once a paid event costing $1,599 with tickets that sold out instantly, the modern conference is primarily an online experience.

Even without a lottery win, all registered developers receive online access to session videos, sample code, and workshops throughout the week

When was WWDC last held

In recent years Apple has held WWDC in early June.

• WWDC 2025: June 9-13
• WWDC 2024: June 10-14
• WWDC 2023: June 5-9
• WWDC 2022: June 6-10
• WWDC 2021: June 7-11
• WWDC 2020: June 22-26
• WWDC 2019: June 3-7
• WWDC 2018: June 4-8

Apple has held a WWDC event every year since 1983. Over the past couple of decades WWDC has generally been held in June, with only one exception.

WWDC	October 1983	May 1995	June 2007	June 2019
	April 1984	May 1996	June 2008	June 2020 (online)
	May 1985	May 1997	June 2009	June 2021 (online)
	May 1986	May 1998	June 2010	June 2022
	May 1987	May 1999	June 2011	June 2023
	May 1988	May 2000	June 2012	June 2024
	May 1989	May 2001	June 2013	June 2025
	May 1990	May 2002	June 2014
	May 1991	June 2003	June 2015
	May 1992	June 2004	June 2016
	May 1993	June 2005	June 2017
	May 1994	August 2006	June 2018

For a broader view of the year’s plans, check out our guide to the new Apple products coming this year.

We’ll update this article regularly in the run-up to WWDC, so check back to see the latest news.