Apple will still proceed with its WWDC 2020 event but it will be presented in an online format due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. The 31st annual developer conference will take place in June, but there’s no specific date at the moment.
According to Apple Senior Vice President for Worldwide Marketing, “We are delivering WWDC 2020 this June in an innovative way to millions of developers around the world, bringing the entire developer community together with a new experience”. He added that the current health situation has required them to create a new WWDC 2020 format that offers a full program with an online keynote and sessions, which will deliver a great learning experience for their entire developer community. WWDC is an event where Apple can provide early access to the upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS to developers and also the opportunity for them to interact with Apple engineers.
According to Apple, there are 23 million registered developers in more than 155 countries and regions. More information on WWDC 2020 programs will be shared between now and June via email, the Apple Developer app and on their official website.
The coronavirus outbreak has affected dozens of events worldwide. Apple was also expected to unveil its “iPhone 9” and new iPad Pro this month but the event is no longer happening due to the current health situation. In addition, Santa Clara County, where Apple’s campus is located as announced a ban on all public gathering since 11th March 2020. The US government has also announced a travel ban on several countries and regions including Europe, which makes it impossible for a significant number of developers to attend.
As of yesterday, there 145,299 COVID-19 cases and 5,370 deaths worldwide. The US has recorded over 2,000 cases and there are 39 deaths reported yesterday. In Malaysia, there are currently 238 cases and 35 people have already recovered.
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