Apple confirms WWDC 2019: expect first look at iOS 13 update for iPhone, iPad Pro

published 14 March 2019

Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Jose, California between June 3 - 7, 2019. Although WWDC is primarily designed to give developers a sneak peek at upcoming operating system updates, Apple has previously used the conference to unveil new hardware, including new MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro, to name a few.

Apple is promoting WWDC 2019 with the tagline: “Write code. Blow minds". We're likely to see new versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS, which power iPhone, iPad and iPod, Apple Mac desktop and laptop computers, Apple TV and Apple Watch smartwatches, respectively.

Not much is known about the operating system announcements yet. However, Apple purportedly pulled a dramatic iOS redesign that reimagined the homescreen, which is currently a simple grid of icons that represent each app installed on the device, ahead of WWDC 2018 to focus on stability improvements instead.

It's unclear whether this overhaul to iOS is back on track to launch in September, when Apple typically rolls-out its major mobile operating system updates.

We're likely to have a much better idea of what to expect at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June after the next Apple media event, which is scheduled for March 25, 2019. The announcement, which carries the tagline "It's showtime", is widely-tipped to see the Cupertino-based company unveil its long-awaited video on-demand service, as well as second-generation Apple AirPods.

WWDC 2019 registration has already begun and closes at midnight on March 21, 2019. As always, Apple is offering tickets to developers by a "random selection". Tickets cost $1,599 (£1,200) for those who are selected to attend in the ballot. Apple says that it will offer as many as 350 scholarships to attend this year.

“WWDC is Apple’s biggest event of the year. It brings thousands of the most creative and dedicated developers from around the world together with over a thousand Apple engineers to learn about our latest platform innovations and to connect as a community,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

“Our developers are incredibly passionate about creating the next generation of mind-blowing experiences for the world through apps. We can’t wait to get together with them and share what’s next."

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As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.