Apple Asks Developers Whether They Would Attend In-Person WWDC Following Two Years of Digital Format

[MacRumors]

As part of its annual survey given to developers at the end of WWDC, Apple is asking community members whether, following two years of the conference behind held in a digital format, they would be open to attending an in-person conference.

Image Credit: Axel Boberg​

Due to the global health crisis, Apple has held its typically in-person Worldwide Developers Conference in an all-digital format for the past two years. The digital format, which includes a pre-recorded keynote from Apple Park and several sessions available online for free, has been loved by many in the community due to its openness and inclusiveness.

Unlike the in-person conference, the online format has allowed Apple to reach millions more developers and users worldwide. Now, as the world begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel, Apple is possibly planning to return to an in-person conference next year while still retaining some aspects of a digital format.

One of the questions as part of this year's end of WWDC survey reads, "How likely would you be to attend an in-person conference after experiencing an all-online event?"

While not totally indicative, it is worth noting that Apple is beginning to receive and collect feedback regarding the community's outlook towards possibly returning to the in-person conference. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has previously noted that Apple is contemplating the idea, and does plan to hold its first in-person event since the global health crisis began in the coming months.

Article Link: Apple Asks Developers Whether They Would Attend In-Person WWDC Following Two Years of Digital Format

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think Apple should stick to the new video only format. I think it works well and removes the expensive price tag for a ticket.

 

[uptownnyc]

no

 

[idmean]

I find these online sessions lacking personality. They are so mechanical and too flawless. I much prefer the presentations given in front of a live audience.

 

[Rychiar]

why not? everything else is back

 

[HeavenDynamic]

A screen will never replace the energy of being together.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I find these online sessions lacking personality. They are so mechanical and too flawless. I much prefer the presentations given in front of a live audience.

Exactly. Apple doesn't need to actually have a working product for all the recording they're putting out right now. Everything is too seamlessly put together.

Tiny mistakes and/or accidents during live presentations help keep the presenter honest about what they're presenting.

I don't need WWDC to actually occur in person, but it definitely should be a real demonstration given in real time, not pre-recorded.

 

[fishkorp]

it should be hybrid. Return to in person for those willing to attend, but keep it also online for those not lucky enough to win the WWDC lottery. I was never selected in any of the 3 years I tried to go. These last 2 were kind of refreshing.

 

[rafark]

I find these online sessions lacking personality. They are so mechanical and too flawless. I much prefer the presentations given in front of a live audience.

Not only that, traveling to the Apple campus as a developer and meeting not only Apple staff but other developers from all over the world must be a unique experience.

 

[mattopotamus]

I find these online sessions lacking personality. They are so mechanical and too flawless. I much prefer the presentations given in front of a live audience.

On the flip side, I really enjoy the digital format. No more having to watch someone demo a video game for 10 minutes on stage.

It's clean, straight forward, and covers the features much better. I feel like in person is filled with still slides and poor demos.

 

[macsplusmacs]

keep same as last two years,

No need for live. IMO.

 

[gaximus]

I’ve only been once, and it was amazing. I was lucky enough to have my company pay for it, but I would pay for it out of pocket if I had to.

 

[Apple$]

I think it would be likely next year might be a combination of digital and in-person sessions as a transition period to fully in-person sessions.

 

[idmean]

it should be hybrid. Return to in person for those willing to attend, but keep it also online for those not lucky enough to win the WWDC lottery. I was never selected in any of the 3 years I tried to go. These last 2 were kind of refreshing.

Apple has been live streaming in-person sessions for many years so it was "hybrid" already before COVID hit.

 

[Rudy69]

As someone who never went to an in person one, the quality of the session videos is so much better, so i hope they won't go back. But being there probably beats it for sure.

 

[Mr. Awesome]

A hybrid approach would be nice

 

[podycust]

the digital version the last couple of years has been great! Because attending in person is so expensive not only the ticket but also getting to American too.

The quality I think is much better too

I hope it stays the same

 

[kenaustus]

The video based session was very smooth - perhaps too smooth. There seemed to be too little time between speakers - give a brief pause of a few seconds between them so we can reset our minds, or make a note.

If this approach is retained then there is also a need to update the developers on the hardware side. Remember the "One More Thing" segment? For all those waiting for another one this time the lack fell flat. Throw in an upcoming hardware that could be released in the next month or so.

Also discuss Apple Silicon, with some focus on how developers should start planning for future versions.

It might be interesting to have one live session with Apple employees filling the auditorium. Show something that will get a reaction from them to judge how the video sessions will go.

 

[mariusignorello]

Bring back in-person. The energy of WWDC is not the same as having an in person event with people excited to be there. Nothing can replace that.

 

[MaxLeopold]

A hybrid Format - those who can't visit can attend online, those who want - can visit - but perhaps they have to increase the Size and instead of Moscone Center look at alternative Venues like Keynote in a big Stadium & Sessions in a larger Convention Centre -- perhaps ship them all out to Las Vegas - for a WWDC in CES Dimensions...

 

[mozumder]

I don’t think COVID is going to be over in the rest of the world by next WWDC. Gonna still have severe travel restrictions

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

I don’t think COVID is going to be over in the rest of the world by next WWDC. Gonna still have severe travel restrictions

Covid is pretty much an endemic now. It's here to stay. I don't see the travel restrictions being that strict a year from now for places outside of North America.

 

[axcess99]

Basically, why go to a live concert when you have the CD; or a theatre when you have the movie. While plenty of overlap, they serve qualitatively different functions.

The pre-recorded videos are well-paced and extremely polished to fit in as much content as possible. But that isn't the only function of WWDC. Having them live benefits the developers that attend with true face-time with each other and with Apple devs. It also adds more "authenticity" to the demos since they need the things to work to a very high level of confidence without any do-overs. I am glad they haven't been dedicating half the time to some 3rd party developer's tech demo though.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Exactly. Apple doesn't need to actually have a working product for all the recording they're putting out right now. Everything is too seamlessly put together.

Tiny mistakes and/or accidents during live presentations help keep the presenter honest about what they're presenting.

I don't need WWDC to actually occur in person, but it definitely should be a real demonstration given in real time, not pre-recorded.

To be fair, it’s easy to fake it as well even of they’re doing it live on stage. You could argue the first iPhone introduction was basically fake with the amount of things in the background that doesn’t work yet.

 

[m4mario]

Tough one. While being at WWDC is something to experience, I am more benefited by the these videos that the previous ones. What ever it is, the lab sessions should not be restricted to in person attendees.