WWDC

The WWDC20 keynote included the official announcements of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, macOS Big Sur, watchOS 7, the move to custom ARM silicon for Macs, and much more. However, there are a number of things Apple didn’t unveil. Let’s take a look at everything Apple didn’t announce at WWDC.

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Apple has brought some big changes to the refund process for in-app purchases including notifications for developers that are live now with seven different options for how to take action. Other changes to the App Store include Family Sharing now being an option for in-app purchase subscriptions, in-app purchases on Apple Watch, and more.

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Traditionally at WWDC, Apple blogger John Gruber hosts a live edition of the Talk Show podcast, usually featuring one or more Apple executives for an interview on the week’s announcements. Obviously, an in-person wasn’t possible this year. Instead, Apple SVP Craig Federighi and Greg Joswiak join John Gruber for a video conversation.

Topics include the transition from Intel CPUs to Apple SoC’s for future Macs, the new macOS Big Sur visual design, SwiftUI, and more.

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Following the Platforms State of the Union address this afternoon at WWDC20 Apple has shared some highlights on its new developer tech and tools to “foster the next generation of apps.” These include Xcode 12, new features in SwiftUI, App Clips and Widgets in iOS and iPadOS 14, improved access to Apple’s platforms like Find My and HomePod, as well as a new App Store Review process that gives developers a way to “challenge” guidelines.

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Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off Monday, June 22 at 10 am PT. With this year being the first-ever totally virtual experience for the event, there are more ways than ever to tune in to the livestream from Apple Park. Follow along for how to watch the WWDC keynote on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and the web. You can also watch with the embedded livestream below.

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Heading into WWDC, Apple isn’t exactly getting off to the best of starts. While outlining my view of Apple’s overall handling of the antitrust charges leveled against it, I mentioned one of the specific issues the company faces: the nature of its relationship with developers.

Developers should feel that Apple is on their side, but even ones who have had their apps featured by Apple are saying that they don’t feel this way. That Apple is, instead, an entity that can at any time and for any reason decide to kill their business.

Twenty-four hours later, things have gotten worse rather than better. First, Microsoft said that Apple and Google have a bigger antitrust case to answer than the Redmond company did some twenty years ago. But the even more damaging development came from Apple itself …

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This year along with the all-virtual WWDC experience, Apple set up a global Swift Student Challenge with some cool swag for the winners. Here’s a look at the fun jacket at pins that 350 student developers are getting.

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Apple has chosen 350 winners for its WWDC20 Swift Student Challenge. The company says the winners span 41 countries and regions and were selected based on their original Swift Playgrounds submission.

Apple is proud to support and nurture the next generation of developers through its annual WWDC student program — and it’s just one of the many ways that WWDC20 is recognizing and celebrating coders and innovators of all ages and backgrounds. For the first time ever, there will be a special collection of curated sessions perfect for budding coders and designers, and daily Swift Playgrounds challenges that anyone can participate in and enjoy.

Apple highlighted three of the winners in a press release and a further three in an App Store feature …

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WWDC 2020 is set to start on June 22nd as a virtual event and Apple has said it’s planning to share more about what to expect through its Developer app later this month. However, a Mac version of the app is still missing. Fortunately, the unofficial WWDC app for Mac has been updated and is ready for this year’s digital WWDC with some notable new features.

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Apple has announced that its first-ever virtual WWDC will start on June 22 this year and that it will be free for all developers through its Developer app and Developer website. There’s also a new event this year, a Swift Student Challenge for young developers 13 and older.

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In February, as the coronavirus pandemic spread further and faster it became clear that Apple was likely going to have to cancel its traditional WWDC plans. That did happen with Apple offering a positive spin last week for an all-new “online experience” that more developers than ever could participate in.

However, just a week later with the pandemic growing, Google has fully called off its I/O developer conference that was also pivoting to an online model and scheduled for May as the state of California has moved to a shelter in place order. So the next question is inevitable, is it feasible for Apple to pull off a web-based WWDC even though it’s not until June?

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The spread of the coronavirus within the US has made WWDC cancellation seem increasingly likely. That now looks inevitable, as Santa Clara County has banned all mass gatherings. The event takes place in San Jose, which is within the county – as is Apple’s campus in Cupertino.

At this time, the ban is only for three weeks, but with the situation worsening rather than improving, it’s a safe bet that it will be extended …

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Mobile World Congress was one of the first major international events canceled this year due to the coronavirus epidemic. Now as the virus continues to spread, more tough decisions are being made like Facebook canceling its F8 Developers Conference that was scheduled for May. With June around the corner and Apple’s developer conference attracting attendees from all around the world, will Apple have to cancel WWDC 2020?

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We’ve already rounded up everything Apple announced at WWDC during the keynote presentation – and it was a lot!

I’d normally write one or two comment pieces on the things that most interested me, but there were so many interesting announcements yesterday that a single piece providing my take on all of it seemed the best approach.

Let’s start with what I saw as the headline on the software side …

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Whether you’re heading to WWDC and other coinciding conferences in San Jose this year for the first time or happen to be a veteran, follow along with our roundup of great WWDC and related apps to help you get the most out of your experience and connect with others.

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In the run-up to WWDC, Apple is coming under pressure from developers of parental control apps to announce an official screen time API at the event. The 17 developers say they were encouraged to apply pressure by ‘father of the iPod’ Tony Fadell.

Apple has been accused of deliberately blocking apps which compete with its own Screen Time feature, removing or crippling other parental control apps …

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Apple has shared a Newsroom post today featuring two unique developer stories ahead of WWDC next week. One highlights a young developer who has just launched her first app, while another profiles a veteran who creates communication aids for people with disabilities. While there is great diversity among all the Apple developers in the world, Apple notes WWDC is “a gathering of dreamers, bound together by a shared belief in the power of technology to positively change the world.”

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