Want an early look at the biggest new features coming to your iPhone? Keep your diary clear on June 8, 2026.
That's the all-important date when Apple will kickstart its latest Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from its spaceship-like HQ in Cupertino, California.
The annual event brings together software developers and students from across the globe for a first look at the next major upgrades to Apple's suite of operating systems – iOS, macOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, and visionOS.
Liquid Glass is the name for the new design language used throughout the new software on iPhone, as well as iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. As the name suggests, the design team at Apple took inspiration from the properties of glass and added fluid animations that react to swipes and taps on-screen | APPLE PRESS OFFICE Last year, Apple unveiled its all-new Liquid Glass redesign – its "broadest design update ever", which rolled out to every one of its devices in September 2025, bringing translucency, reflections, and lifelike refractions to menus, buttons, and apps across its software.
The US company standardised the naming of its operating systems during the opening keynote at WWDC 2025, unifying its platforms to use the two digits of the following calendar year. Last year, Apple announced iOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, and visionOS 26.
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Apple announced plans to standardise the naming convention behind its operating systems with the last two-digits of the upcoming calendar year — something the automobile industry has done for some time to denote its latest models
|APPLE PRESS OFFICE
These will be followed by iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 at WWDC 2026.
While WWDC is guaranteed to offer an early glimpse at new software features coming to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Vision Pro, Mac, and Apple Watch, Apple has occasionally used its developer-focused event to showcase new hardware.
The US firm has previously spotlighted devices like the Mac Pro, MacBook Air, and most recently, Apple Vision Pro, to audiences. Apple also used WWDC to confirm the UK release date of the Vision Pro headset too.
“WWDC is one of the most exciting times for us at Apple because it’s a chance for our incredible global developer community to come together for an electrifying week that celebrates technology, innovation, and collaboration,” said Susan Prescott, Apple Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We can’t wait to see many of you online and in person for what is sure to be one of our best WWDC events yet."
WWDC will be available to stream online. Apple will host an in-person event at its Apple Park headquarters.
App and game developers jet-in from across the world to attend the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in Cupertino, California and catch a glimpse of the latest software from the company | GETTY IMAGES WWDC 2026 kicks off with a keynote hosted by Apple execs. who will unveil some of the new designs, features, and functionality. New APIs created for app developers will also be announced, ensuring the teams behind your favourite apps can update everything to support incoming changes. Next up, Apple holds its Platforms State of the Union.
The conference continues online all week, with over 100 video sessions and interactive group labs and appointments, where developers can connect directly with Apple engineers and designers to explore the latest announcements.
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WWDC 2026 is accessible via the Apple Developer app, official website, and YouTube channel.
Apple continues its Swift Student Challenge, which is designed to shepherd the next generation of entrepreneurs, coders, and designers. Winning students will be notified on March 26 and will be able to attend the special event at Apple Park. In addition, 50 Distinguished Winners will be recognised for their outstanding submissions and invited to Cupertino for a three-day experience.