WWDC 2021: How to watch Apple’s big iOS 15 event from home

Apple’s virtual event will likely unveil iOS 15 for the first time.


Apple

This story is part of WWDC 2021. All the latest coverage from Apple’s annual developers conference.

Apple used its spring event this year to announce the new M1 iPad Pro, a new M1-powered iMac, AirTags and a purple iPhone 12. Soon we’ll learn about all the new things Apple will make those gadgets capable of doing with its forthcoming free software updates: iOS 15, iPadOS 15, WatchOS 8, MacOS 12 and TVOS 15 (and maybe HomeOS?). The tech giant plans to hold its all-digital Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, online from June 7 to 11. The keynote address, likely led by CEO Tim Cook, will start at 10 a.m. PT on June 7. Fans and developers alike will be able to watch online for free.

Last year, Apple announced a major change to its Mac computers, kicking off a transition in how they’re powered from Intel-made chips to chips designed by Apple’s in-house team. That group’s been building chips to power iPhones and iPads for more than a decade, and now Apple says those chips are capable enough to power computers too. So far, the new computers powered by the new M1 chip have received positive reviews for their long battery life and cooler feel. Despite the initially positive reception, industry watchers are anxious to see how those chips will power more performance-heavy computers. Apple could also use the event to announce its next-gen M2 chips.

Read more: WWDC 2021: Everything we know so far

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M1 is the marketing name for Apple’s more powerful versions of its iPhone and iPad chips for computers.


Apple

We could also learn more about the next version of MacOS, but the biggest announcement out of the event will likely be iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, the latest annual update to the company’s software for iPhones and iPads. This time around, the software update, which is usually free and released alongside new iPhones in the fall, is rumored to change additional default apps, include new ways to handle app notifications, and make its new small-app home screen widgets more interactive. (Currently they update data, but typically a tap brings you into the app instead of letting you interact just through the widget.)

Read more: iOS 15 rumors: Release date, buzzy new features, device compatibility and more

There are also rumors that the Apple Watch and its software could get new features. The Apple Watch currently can track movement, heart rate, ECG and blood oxygen levels. The next rumored step could be to add blood sugar levels.

When is WWDC 2021?

Apple’s online-only WWDC begins June 7 at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. BST and at 3 a.m. AEST on June 8 (sorry, Australia). Though Apple hasn’t officially announced whether CEO Tim Cook will headline the traditional opening keynote presentation, it would be a shock if he didn’t appear. 

On Friday, Cook testified at the Epic Games v. Apple trial in Oakland, California.

Where can I stream Apple’s event?

You’ll be able to stream Apple’s event straight from the company’s website. We here at CNET will be covering the event live, as we always do, with the real-time news, insight and analysis you can get only here.

What we can expect from Apple at WWDC?

Apple’s digital events are fast-paced and slickly produced. WWDC also tends to be a little nerdier and sillier, with Apple making jokes about its wacky marketing team coming up with names for its software. Apple also tends to make fun of software head Craig Federighi‘s hair.



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