Apple WWDC 2015 Dates on June 8: Will iOS 9 and iPad Pro/Plus Be Announced?

By Mark Rollins
Apple WWDC 2015
Coming June 8th. Photo: Apple

Every year, Apple holds is Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and it is a time for Apple's developers to learn what Apple will be doing for the year.  The newest version of iOS is usually previewed at WWDC, and occasionally, some products get unveiled, such as a new iPhone or iPad.  The latest rumor is that the iPad Pro/Plus could be unveiled at WWDC 2015. 

According to Apple, the WWDC will be held from June 8 to June 12 at San Francisco's Moscone West.  It will be a time where Apple's developer community "will come together to learn about the future of iOS and OS X", and there will be "more sessions than ever before streamed to developers". 

Apple's WWDC is often a place where the latest Apple product will be announced.  This isn't always the case, but past WWDC events have introduced the MacPro and the iPhone 4.  According to Phone Arena, the world is probably going to get a look at iOS 9.  There are also rumors of a 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro/Plus that will be unveiled at WWDC 2015. 

For those who are not aware of the iPad Pro/Plus, it has been a rumor that has been going around for quite a while.  There has always been reports that Apple has been working on a tablet that is more than 12 inches (the current iPad is about 11 inches), and these rumors have been as persistent as the one about the smartwatch.  Well, we all know that the Apple Watch is true, which gives credence to the possible existence of an iPad Pro/Plus.

Tech Times reports that a popular analyst has stated that Apple is planning a release date for the iPad Pro/Plus later this year.  A 12.9 inch display would match the display of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, which are available in 13-inch display versions.  The presence of a 12-inch tablet would change the playing field for Apple's applications, as a larger screen would allow users more freedom. 

In addition to the rumors of a larger screen, there have also been rumors that the iPad Pro/Plus would come with a stylus as well.  This seems odd as Steve Jobs was not very pro-stylus, but the former CEO did not have any input on the Apple Watch, so it is up to Apple to come up with new designs for its products like its flagship tablet. 

As someone who attends a lot of tech conventions, I am not certain if it is easy or difficult to get into WWDC.  Developers can apply on the WWDC website now through Friday, April 17 at 10 AM PDT.  Yes, that is a very small window to pick up tickets, so if you want to attend, you had better click on it now.  Apparently, there is a "random selection process", but developers should know if they are attending by Monday, April 20 at 5 PM PDT.  If you want to try the scholarship route, there are 350 WWDC Scholarships available for students and members of participating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) organizations that will get you a free ticket.