Apple set the date for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference for early June, when it is expected to reveal its newest technology. Some are hoping to see a much-anticipated virtual reality headset.
It's the iPhone maker's biggest annual conference, when it usually reveals new gadgets. This year it will be streamed online on Apple's (ticker: AAPL) website from June 5 to 9, with a first day in-person event also set aside for developers and students at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.
CEO Tim Cook gives the key note speech at the in-person event and often introduces the newest iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or Macs. Speculation this year is that Apple will unveil its virtual and augmented reality headset, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple's VR project would come at a time when other companies are turning their focus away from the metaverse, including Meta Platforms $(META)$. Disney $(DIS)$ just announced it was shutting down the business that was developing its metaverse initiatives, and Microsoft $(MSFT)$ has shut down a social virtual reality platform it bought in 2017.
A select number of people, including Apple Developer Program members, Apple Entrepreneur Camp alumni, and Apple Developer Enterprise Program members, can apply to attend the event through Apple's website until 9 a.m. PDT (6 a.m. EDT) April 4.
Apple said students can compete in the Swift Student Challenge. Winners receive WWDC23 outerwear, AirPods Pro, a year's membership in the Apple Developer Program, and a chance to attend the June 5 event.