Apple to Hold Developer Conference June 22, Later Than Usual

(Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. said it will hold a virtual version of its annual Worldwide Developers Conference starting June 22, about two weeks later than usual.

The conference -- where the company plans to preview major software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Watch -- will be held online this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The extra two weeks gives the company more time to assemble a virtual conference and helps Apple engineers finish up the initial versions of the new software while working from home.

Read more: Apple Makes WWDC Conference Online Only Amid Virus Pandemic

The slight delay to the event likely also pushes back Apple's software testing cycle, which could be another indicator of this year's iPhones launching several weeks later than usual, as Bloomberg News has reported.

The company said the conference, along with keynote speeches, will be available on Apple's website and through its iPhone and iPad app for developers. Phil Schiller, head of marketing, said on Tuesday the conference will be its biggest yet, bringing together 23 million developers.

Apple said WWDC will still run the full week as it does when held at a convention center. Besides keynotes, Apple engineers hold sessions with developers to provide deep dives on specific new features and help them build apps.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.