Apple WWDC is where we got new versions of software like iOS.
There have been some hardware releases at WWDC like iPhone 3GS and updated MacBooks.
We will also preview the expected hardware launches at WWDC 2023.
Ahead of the WWDC 2023 event, we take a look at some of the great product announcements we have seen in past Worldwide Developer Conferences. This event is intended to showcase what Apple is working on to the developer community and the general public. While software releases have been most notable, certain hardware refreshes have also taken place at this Apple event. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and learn about some of those WWDC announcements.
Note: We have picked products that have a long-lasting impact on their respective platforms and are being used today in some way or form.
1. WWDC 2008: App Store
WWDC 2008 was the stage for iOS 2.0 (or iPhone OS which was its name back then) and iPhone 3G, we feel the most important launch was the App Store which all iPhone users use to explore new apps and is a key revenue driver for the brand. The Apple App Store started with 500 apps. That figure has gone up to 1,783,232 by the end of 2022.
2. WWDC 2013: iOS 7
iOS 7 was a rehaul of the UI that we pretty much see even in iOS 16. It looked modern, simple, fresh and a departure from the skeuomorphic design of iOS 6 and before. Even the font got changed to a thinner Helvetica Neue Light typeface. In the same event, the trash can Mac Pro was also introduced which was phased out before long.
3. WWDC 2015: Apple Music
At the WWDC 2015 stage, we got the announcement of Apple Music which was launched as a competitor to Spotify. In 2023, as per Cybermedia Research, around 20% of music streamers in India use Apple Music. It is a go-to music streaming app for iPhone users as it comes baked into the system, and has a massive library too.
4. WWDC 2019: Pro Display XDR
Pro Display XDR was launched at WWDC 2019 as the biggest upgrade to Apple monitors after 2011. It’s a 32-inch 6K display with “up to 25x better off-axis contrast than a typical LCD,” a 16:9 aspect ratio, up to 60Hz refresh rate, a DCI-P3 colour coverage and 10-bit colour depth.
The Pro Display XDR also features a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port and three USB-C ports. Professionals who don’t mind the ₹4,49,900 price tag have liked this product.
5. WWDC 2020: Apple Silicon
After transitioning from PowerPC to Intel processors for Mac, Apple again switched things in-house with the announcement of the transition to Apple M-series Silicon. Although the M1 processor and associated products were announced in a later event, this WWDC marked the revelation that something big is coming and was proved true eventually.
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G. S. Vasan
Vasan is a word weaver and tech junkie who is currently geeking out as a news writer at Digit. View Full Profile
