The past two WWDC events have been completely virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As WWDC 2021 begins to wrap up, Apple is now surveying developers on their preferences between in-person and virtual events, labs, sessions, and more.
Apple surveys developers after WWDC each year, and this time there is a specific focus on in-person versus virtual events. As first noted by developer Julian Schiavo on Twitter, this year’s WWDC 2021 survey asks: “How likely would you be to attend an in person conference after experiencing an all-online event?” The options are:
- Very likely
- Somewhat likely
- Neither likely nor unlikely
- Somewhat unlikely
- Very unlikely
A follow up question asks whether developers would prefer to participate in the following events in person or online:
- Daily Challenges
- Technology Labs
- Design Labs
- Sessions
- Platforms Statue of the Union
- App Review & App Store Labs
- Apple Design Awards
- Guest Speakers and Developer Spotlights
While Apple is almost certainly returning to in-person events in some capacity in the future, there is no timeline for such a return. Furthermore, as we’ve detailed in the past, it’s likely that the best compromise for the company is a hybrid approach. Having in-person and online components to WWDC in the future would allow Apple to keep making the event more accessible to those around the world, while offering an in-person component for those who are willing and able to attend.
What do you think about the future of Apple events? Do you anticipate the company will return to in-person events as quickly as possible? Let us know down in the comments!
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