Apple WWDC 2019: What we expect and how to watch for yourself

Apple WWDC 2019 (that stands for Worldwide Developers Conference) will begin next week. At this annual event, Apple dishes out new software updates for many of its products, most importantly the iOS software on its flagship product, the iPhone.

Think of it kind of like Google I/O, but for Apple.

Below you’ll find all the info you need on WWDC including when it happens, how to watch the most important event during the conference, and what you can expect to see launched.

When is Apple WWDC 2019?

The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2019 will happen at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, from Monday, June 3 until Friday, June 7. Each day will be packed with seminars, lectures, and announcements.

However, the most important aspect of WWDC is the keynote that starts it all. This Tim Cook-led event will last for about two hours and start at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET) on Monday, June 3. It’s likely Cook and other Apple leaders will reveal new software updates and possibly even new hardware. Scroll down a bit to read more about what we expect to see!

How can I watch Apple WWDC 2019 at home?

The easiest, most platform-agnostic way to watch Apple WWDC 2019 is on YouTube. Over the past few years, Apple has livestreamed all its major events on its official YouTube channel, and it’s highly likely it will do the same for this one. If that happens, you’ll be able to view the keynote on any device with YouTube access.

However, if you own Apple products, you can use special, Apple-only services to watch the keynote.

If you own an iOS 12 device such as a recent iPhone or iPad, you can download Apple’s official WWDC app. In there, you’ll find links to watch the keynote as well as links to watch other events happening over the rest of the week.

If you own a macOS-powered device, such as an iMac or a MacBook, you can watch the keynote on Apple’s events website through Safari. As long as you’re running the latest version of Apple’s proprietary browser, you should be able to watch the event without issue.

If you’re on a Windows or Linux PC, the livestream at Apple’s events page should also work in the most recent versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc. However, Safari is the only browser that’s guaranteed to work.

Finally, if you own an Apple TV, you can watch the livestream through Apple’s events app. You’ll need to be running tvOS 10.2 or later, which essentially means you’ll need a second-generation or later Apple TV device.

When in doubt, just head to YouTube!

What should I expect to see announced at Apple WWDC 2019?

Unlike Apple’s September event where it launches the latest crop of iPhones or the October event where it launches iPads and macOS products, Apple WWDC 2019 will be mostly about software. However, there could be some hardware surprises in store!

Here’s what we expect:

• iOS 13: This is essentially a sure bet. The latest version of Apple’s mobile OS should come with a system-wide dark theme, and could possibly come with a revamp to the home screen (the first major revamp in ten years). There will also almost certainly be updates to Apple apps, including Mail, Messages, Health, etc.
• macOS 10.15: There are rumors suggesting that Apple’s new update to its PC-based operating system will bring certain iOS apps to MacBooks, iMacs, etc. At first, it would likely only be apps designed for iPads with iPhone apps coming at a later date. If true, this would be pretty revolutionary. There’s also a rumor that Apple will do away with the iTunes branding and break up the app into smaller chunks, with a Music app, a Podcasts app, a TV app, etc., rather than housing everything in one program.
• watchOS and tvOS: Apple’s operating systems that power the Apple Watch and the Apple TV set-top box should see some tweaks, too. However, the Apple Watch usually gets its time to shine next to the iPhones in September, and the Apple TV Plus service was just launched in March, so these two operating systems will likely get only a little love during Apple WWDC 2019.
• A new Mac Pro: Apple hasn’t revamped its infamous “trash can” computer since 2013. Rumors strongly suggest we’ll see a new Mac Pro debut at WWDC 2019. The question is, of course, will it still be a cylindrical unit or will it have a more conventional design — or something else altogether?
• A 6K display: This is a bit of a long shot, but Apple could launch its own super high-end computer monitor. With a rumored 6K resolution and a rumored 32-inch size, the device would certainly be incredibly expensive if it gets launched at all.

Will you be tuning in to Apple WWDC 2019? What are you excited about getting announced? Let us know in the comments!

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