Apple WWDC This Year Will Not Include Hardware Announcements

Hardware Unveiling Plan Canceled Due to Supply Chain Issues

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Apple will not unveil any new hardware products at this year's annual developer conference WWDC.

On the 21st (local time), IT-focused Twitter users John Prosser and Max Weinbach revealed that Apple has completely revised its plans to unveil new hardware. Max Weinbach said, "I heard that no hardware will be revealed at WWDC. It might be a rumor, but I think it's worth mentioning." Earlier, Bloomberg also reported that no hardware would be announced.

Until now, the industry widely expected Apple to unveil an iMac product with a design similar to the iPad Pro at WWDC. There were also expectations that high-end wireless headphones AirPods Studio and the lost-item tracker 'AirTag' might be revealed, but it seems these will be skipped at this event.

Apple may have decided to postpone hardware announcements due to supply chain issues caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) until manufacturing conditions improve. Although WWDC is primarily an event to introduce new software such as iOS, it has often been used to reveal hardware. Last year, Apple unveiled the new Mac Pro and Mac Pro Display XDR.

Meanwhile, Apple WWDC will be held online from the 22nd to the 26th (local time). Marking its 31st anniversary, this year's event will be offered free to developers online instead of offline to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections.