What’s in store for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year? Will the world see a new iPhone that looks anything like the prototype Gizmodo got its hands on? Is Apple planning a new MacBook? Or some other innovative device that even the rumor mills haven’t picked up on yet?
The speculation is sure to rise in the weeks ahead as the annual event draws near. But one thing is certain: Apple CEO Steve Jobs will give the keynote address on Monday, June 7, at 10 a.m. to a sold-out crowd of more than 5,000 developers. The 55-year-old Apple chief sat out last year’s WWDC in the face of health issues that led to a liver transplant. Apple COO Tim Cook took the reins, introducing the iPhone 3GS. Many analysts expect the next-generation iPhone to make its debut at the June conference.
“It’s not a big surprise Jobs is back. He’s in good health, it seems. So it would certainly make sense for him to do the keynote,” said Michael Gartenberg, a partner at Altimeter Group. “There are a lot more devices in the market. No one is ceding the cool-device space to Apple, which puts even more pressure on Apple to raise the bar and drive things forward with innovation.”
Jobs Stirs Excitement
Jobs is well known for his presenting skills and ability to stir excitement about new Apple products. His speech will kick off the five-day event that equips developers in five key technology tracks, including Application Frameworks, Internet & Web, Graphics & Media, Developer Tools, and Core OS.
Developers will find help in areas such as implementing local and push notifications, understanding what’s new in the foundation of iPhone OS 4.0, integrating ads with iAd, delivering audio and video using web standards, advances in HTTP live streaming, network apps for…