WWDC 2026 will start June 8 - here's what Apple may announce

Viewers can watch live on Apple's website, YouTube, or Apple TV app across multiple devices. Detailed instructions are provided below. 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 has confirmed the date when WWDC will begin, as we expected, it will start on Monday June 8, 2026. Apple reliably holds WWDC in the second week of June. 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. Apple has announced the specific dates for WWDC 2026. As we predicted, the WWDC event will run from June 8 to 12. The keynote is likely to take place 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: 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: 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. 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. Apple is expected to announce the next generation of its primary operating systems, which will likely move to version number 27. These include: Following the event the first developer betas for these new operating systems will be released, with public betas following in July. 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. 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 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. Based on current release cycles and expert analysis, several Mac models are due for an M5-series upgrade. Other rumored products 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. 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. This event was particularly significant due to a massive visual overhaul and a change in how Apple names its software. It included: Key Software Features included: 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. 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: 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. 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 In recent years Apple has held WWDC in early June. 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. 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.