Fortune India
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is perhaps one of the most anticipated public events for all technology lovers and Apple fanatics. This is where Apple drops some of its bombshells. As we wait for the 2025 edition, let’s rewind through WWDC’s most unforgettable and jaw-dropping moments from the past.
People may not remember but in 1997, Apple was struggling. One can say it was even on the verge of bankruptcy. Then came the dramatic return of the prodigal son: Steve Jobs, the co-founder who was kicked out over a decade back. Jobs’ presence on the 1997 WWDC marked a shift in Apple’s fortunes.
At WWDC 2005, Jobs stunned the tech world by announcing that henceforth, Apple would stop using Intel chips for its Macs, using PowerPC chips instead. This was a tectonic shift and some say, this is where Intel’s fortunes started sliding and Macs became the darling they are now.
In 2007, Apple had already introduced the iPhone. The 2008 WWDC was noteworthy because here we see the birth of the mobile app economy. Apple launched the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which opened the floodgates for third-party app developers, leading to the formation of the App Store.
WWDC in 2015, Steve Jobs was no more. But the new CEO, Tim Cook, paying a homage to the legendary founder, brought back Jobs’s classic ‘One more thing…’ phrase back, but this time to unveil the revolutionary Apple Watch. It was a sentimental, but bold nod. It marked another tectonic shift for Apple and the world.
With the pandemic shutting down live events, Apple went fully virtual and gave us a WWDC like no other. Craig Federighi became a star with his slick transitions and witty delivery. Apple turned the keynote into a high-production show, complete with drone shots, seamless edits, and viral meme moments.
The 2020 WWDC was historic for another reason. This is where Apple announced it was ditching Intel, again. Yes, you heard that right. Apple decided to make its own chips. Apple Silicon promised to make devices faster, more power-efficient, and even lighter and the M1 chip delivered on every front.
After years of speculation, Apple finally revealed its futuristic mixed-reality headset: the Vision Pro. With a $3,499 price tag and a promise to merge the digital and physical worlds, the headset stunned viewers.
The 2025 WWDC looks like it is going to be a historic one too as speculation is rife that this year Apple will make historic changes to the design of its devices, from Watch to iPhone to even the Vision Pro, among other things. Guess we can’t wait anymore!