Apple WWDC 2020: How COVID-19 Has Impacted the Conference and Its Future

The highly anticipated Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2020, a premier event where Apple showcases its upcoming software platforms, is set to take place online this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came as no surprise, considering the growing concerns about public gatherings amidst the global health crisis.

Originally, WWDC was expected to be a major platform for Apple to unveil new hardware devices, including the rumored iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 9. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has put those plans on hold, and it's unclear when the company will make its next big announcement about hardware.

In the meantime, Apple has already begun revealing features and functionality of iOS 14 and watchOS 7 through various leaks over the past week. The company is expected to share more details in the coming weeks, but this time around, developers can expect an online experience like no other.

'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,' said Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. The company is banking on its new online format to provide a great learning experience for its global developer community.

By going online-only, Apple aims to minimize the risks associated with large gatherings and ensure the safety of its attendees. California regulations also played a significant role in the decision, as they would have prohibited the conference from taking place in-person.

Despite these challenges, Apple is looking on the bright side, recognizing that this new format will allow developers to gain early access to the future of Apple platforms and engage with Apple engineers like never before.

In conclusion, WWDC 2020 may not be the traditional event we're used to, but it's an opportunity for Apple to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity. As the tech giant navigates these unprecedented times, it will be exciting to see how its online-only conference unfolds and what new experiences await developers around the world.

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