Apple's WWDC 2023: Everything you need to know trends now

The wait is nearly over for Apple fans, as the firm's hotly-anticipated annual tech event is about to commence. 

Apple says the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which kicks off on Monday at Apple Park in California, will be an 'exhilarating week of technology'. 

The tech giant is expected to announce its mixed reality headset at the event, as well as the next major software updates for its devices, including iOS 17.

Here, MailOnline gives a rundown of everything you need to know about WWDC, including how to tune in and when the big product will be revealed. 

WHAT IS WWDC? 

Worldwide Developer Conference is an annual event that's been held by Apple since 1983, although it was not originally intended for hardware announcements. 

It's only in the past 20 years that Apple has been using the conference as a major launchpad for new devices, including the HomePod speaker in 2007 and the iPhone 4 in 2010. 

Arguably, the main event in the calendar for Apple fans is its event held in the first two weeks of September, when it announces its new iPhone – although this year WWDC could be bigger. 

Often, announcements at WWDC are modest and concern new software, app updates and other details that are of little interest to even hardcore Apple fans. 

However, this year the firm is expected to announce a new piece of hardware that could soon 'replace the iPhone', according to one expert. 

WHEN WILL WWDC TAKE PLACE? 

This year's event will kick off on Monday, June 5, and run until Friday, June 9, although the major announcements are expected to happen on the first day. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook will deliver a keynote to kick off the event on Monday at 6pm BST (10am PT) – an opportunity to lift the lid on the new hardware. 

Apple confirmed the dates for WWDC 2023 back in March and said the five-day event will be presented online, streamed through its YouTube channel and website.

However, there will be an opportunity for 'developers and students to celebrate in person at a special experience' hosted at Apple Park, the firm's Cupertino HQ, on Monday. 

According to an attendee who received the event schedule, day one of WWDC will include a 'Special Evening Activity' that Apple said attendees 'won't want to miss'. 

Apple has already posted about a 'Special Event at Apple Park' on the first day, described as a 'special all-day experience' to kick off 'an incredible week'. 

There will also be a smaller event on Tuesday for visitors to 'discuss some of the latest announcements' with Apple execs, the company said. 

'WWDC is one of our favorite times of the year at Apple,' said Susan Prescott, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. 

'It's an opportunity to connect with the talented developers from around the globe who make this community so extraordinary. 

'WWDC23 is going to be our biggest and most exciting yet, and we can't wait to see many of you online and in person at this very special event.' 

WHAT WILL APPLE ANNOUNCE AT WWDC? 

By far the most anticipated announcement is the mixed reality headset, which is rumoured to be called 'Reality Pro' or 'Reality One' and cost a whopping $3,000 (£2,400) when it's released in September. 

Apple's cryptic promo image for WWDC this year features curving coloured lines – a possible reference to the wearable. 

The mixed reality headset, which has been in development for the best part of a decade, is expected to display apps, messages and more in front of people's eyes. 

Publicly, Apple has made no acknowledgement of the upcoming device, but its existence is an open secret within the tech industry. 

A US leaker

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