WWDC 2025 in person experience

This year, I was unexpectedly fortunate: I was randomly selected to attend the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in person. What follows is my “survival checklist”-a look at what you can expect if you attend in person.

Before it all changed

Back when COVID wasn’t a thing, attending WWDC was a serious investment: you’d pay something like $1,599 to get in. (Yes, what a deal, right? 🤑) But the experience was immersive: in those days you got real developer access. I never had the chance to be part of that era, unfortunately.

During the pandemic, everything went online: you watched videos, maybe interacted virtually, and that was it. It wasn’t until 2024 that Apple brought back an in-person component. But now it’s a compact version – just 2.5 days in person, compared to the full week before COVID.

Registration & lottery

Registering was straightforward: use your Apple Developer ID, choose which app you’ll present, and cross your fingers for the lottery. It’s officially random, though from what I observed, as a small indie developer with a modest app, your odds might be lower. The total number of spots is limited-around 1,400 attendees-and I’m not sure whether press counts too.

If your company won’t sponsor your trip, I’d still register using your company Apple ID. It might slightly improve your odds.

After a few days, I received my invitation. I was stunned – I won on my first try! Others told me they’d registered multiple years without luck. That said, the invitation also came with an RSVP, and that’s when it’s time to book your lodging. The confirmation email includes a skeleton schedule to help you plan.

Sunday “Faux Pas” (or “surprise”) event

Because I registered with my company email and live in Europe, I missed Apple’s email about open registration for the Sunday activities at Apple’s Developer Center. By the time I checked my inbox, the spots were all gone. I wasn’t alone -other developers told me they’d lost out too.

Also, I missed the “Almost Here” email (sent three days before the event) while I was in the U.S. That email had key details: Sunday registration, badge pickup, swag distribution at Apple Infinity Loop Camp, and more. I brushed it off – I thought it was just registration stuff. Boy was I wrong.

Walking up to Infinity Loop, I was greeted by a full-on party: cheer squads, applause, loud music. I was overwhelmed (Polish stoicism in full effect). At security I was asked for an Apple Wallet pass-of course, I didn’t have it. The staff searched my email (I’d forwarded things from work to personal) and eventually got me my WWDC badge. They also gave me my swag and Event Parking Pass (which lets you drive in and park on site). I arrived around 17:45, when registration had begun at 15:00. There were no queues then, but others told me they had waited 1.5 to 2 hours if they came earlier. Timing is everything.

Once inside Infinity Loop, a swarm of Apple guides helped with directions. You could snap a photo with the WWDC sign, play outdoor games, “pin” your origin on a world map, and more. Deeper in, there were stations for food, drinks, and even a wrist-band system to mark who could grab alcohol. Inside the cafeteria you could talk to Apple Design Awards finalists. It was a fun, energetic kickoff.

The Big Day – Apple Park

I woke up very early – staying in San Francisco, I needed about 50 minutes to reach the event. As I approached the venue, the organization struck me: separate lanes for taxis, buses, private cars-the flow was seamless.

I arrived around 7:30 AM and snagged the parking under the Apple Visitor Center. People were already lining up. While waiting, I chatted with other devs, grabbed coffee and snacks (Apple hosts wandered around handing out treats), and watched media crews recording-naturally, all with iPhones.

At 8:00 sharp they began admitting groups (20-30 people per wave). Guides escorted us to the entrance, we got our badges scanned, then a short walk followed by a security check. And then: inside Apple Park. It’s breathtaking. Simple, elegant, huge. You feel the investment in every detail.

I paused for a picture at the WWDC sign, then made my way to the main stage area. On either side of the cafeteria there were food stations, coffee bars, and more. Everything was positioned thoughtfully.

The Keynote & sessions

At 10:00, Tim Cook took the stage, greeted everyone, and expressed gratitude. Then Craig Federighi followed. The keynote played out -familiar announcements, new features. Being there in person I felt the keynote was partly for media and stakeholders, not just devs.

After a short lunch break – the cafeteria was packed with delicious food – I wandered, trying to talk to people. I met a Polish guy from the App Store team; we talked about shared struggles and strategies.

Later came the “State of the Union” (the deep dev keynote). The crowd lit up the loudest when they announced the integration between Xcode and LLM models. Before that, they spotlighted winners of the Student Challenge and introduced the Apple Design Awards finalists – very inspirational video moments.

Then came my favorite part: talking directly with framework teams. In a sprawling cafeteria turned dev hub, you could wander into zones – SwiftUI, developer tools, accessibility, etc. If you bring specific questions (prepare them in advance!), these sessions are gold. Many are “first-come, first-served.” This year, however, sessions for App Store and UI/UX required pre-registration. You can try your luck as a walk-in but expect long lines. Sadly, I didn’t get to speak with the design team. From what I saw, the devs at these tables review your app, point out weak areas, and help you improve.

After that, more catering inside Apple Park, then wandering the grounds: check out the famous rainbow display, take photos with the F1 car (used in the F1 movie, which had a special private screening in the Steve Jobs Theater). (Yes, I missed that – again, thanks to missing email.) Walking around you’ll bump into tech YouTubers, reporters – if that’s your vibe, go say hi or take selfies.

Wrap it up

That it day came to the end. Unfortunately I couldn’t added on activities during Thursday. Now you know a little bit more how the in-person experience at WWDC looks like. I highly recommend it 🧑‍💻.