Apple allows developer conference WWDC to take place online only

Apple will be holding its WWDC developer conference online this year. The company says it will offer “a completely new online experience,” which includes developer sessions in addition to keynotes. The public should stay away because of the coronavirus.

The annual developer event normally takes place in Cupertino. That should happen in June, but Apple now writes that the event will only take place online. The company does not cite the coronavirus pandemic SARS-CoV-2 literally as the reason, but says it made the decision “due to the current health situation.” The company says the event will have “a completely new online format.” The company does not say exactly what that means. Developers will be notified of the changes in the coming months. They come via email, the Apple Developer app, and the WWDC website. Apple says the online event will feature keynotes as well as sessions for developers themselves.

Apple’s annual World Wide Developer Conference isn’t the only technology event that’s been canceled. Earlier today, Microsoft canceled its Build conference, saying it is moving to a “new virtual format.” Facebook and Google have also suspended developer conferences F8 and I/O, respectively, and are only holding them online.