How to apply to attend WWDC 2025 in person

Apple has officially revealed the dates for its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2025, which will take place from June 9 to June 13. Like last year, most events will be held online. However, a select group of developers, students, and media professionals will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive in-person event at Apple Park on June 9.

Attending WWDC 2025 in-person offers many advantages, including witnessing major product unveilings live, direct access to Apple experts, networking opportunities, and more. If you’re eager to experience it in person, here’s how to secure your spot.

Who can apply for in-person attendance?

The WWDC 2025 in-person event at Apple Park is invite-only, meaning not everyone can attend. Eligible applicants include:

• Apple Developer Program & Enterprise Program Members: Individuals or organizations with active memberships.
• Swift Student Challenge Winners: Students who win Apple’s Swift coding competition.
• Special Invitees from Apple’s Developer Community: Those who have contributed significantly to Apple’s ecosystem.
• Selected Members of the Media: Tech journalists, bloggers, and influencers invited by Apple.

Age Requirement: You can apply if you’re between 13 and 17, but a legal guardian must accompany you.

How Apple selects attendees

Due to limited space at Apple Park, Apple randomly selects attendees via a lottery system. However, developers with strong contributions (app development, feedback, community engagement) may have a better chance of being invited.

When and where will WWDC 2025 be held?

Like all previous years, WWDC 2025 will take place at Apple Park, Cupertino, California, from June 9 to 13, 2025. As said, the entire event will take place online. However, a few selected participants will have a chance to attend in person.

The first day of the annual conference will feature the unveiling and release of iOS 19, watchOS 12, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. As soon as the keynote concludes, the first developer beta of iOS 19 and other operating systems will become available to download. 

We already know which iPhone will support iOS 19, so you can have yours ready to install the beta as soon as it is available to get a hands-on experience.

Is attending WWDC 2025 in-person free?

Yes, Apple does not charge a registration fee. However, travel and lodging are NOT covered, so you must arrange your own expenses. 

How to apply for WWDC 2025 in-person attendance

Since Apple Park has limited capacity, Apple selects attendees via a lottery system. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the WWDC 2025 Special Event page.
2. Sign in with your Apple Developer account.
3. Fill out the application form, ensuring that your developer credentials are up to date.
4. Submit your application before the deadline: 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

How will you know If you’re elected?

Apple will announce the names of 350 Swift Student Challenge winners on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Among them, 50 Distinguished Winners will receive an invitation to a unique three-day experience, including a special event on June 9. The remaining 300 winners will have the opportunity to attend if they secure a spot in the lottery.

Notably, Distinguished Winners won’t need to participate in the lottery. The remaining 300 winners will have the opportunity to attend if they secure a spot in the lottery.

Once you have completed your registration, Apple will review your application and email you if you are selected as an attendee in the following weeks.

What if I’m not selected for in-person attendance?

Even if you aren’t selected for the in-person attendance, you can enjoy the complete WWDC 2025 virtually. Apple provides a fully immersive online experience worldwide for developers and general viewers. You can:

• Watch the keynote live: The keynote will be streamed on Apple’s website, YouTube, and the Apple Developer app.
• Access developer sessions: Attend in-depth technical sessions to learn about Apple’s latest software advancements.
• Join virtual labs and Q&As: Get direct guidance from Apple engineers through online lab sessions.
• Engage with the community: Connect with developers through Apple’s Developer Forums and online meetups.

Signing off…

Attending WWDC 2025 in person is a fantastic opportunity for developers and Apple enthusiasts alike as you will get to connect with Apple’s developer community, gain early insights into new technologies, and more. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a travel budget, don’t hesitate to apply and prepare for an unforgettable experience.

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