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Apple has announced that its pre-WWDC Swift Student Challenge will next open on February 8, 2027, and that it will no longer be limited to just iOS and iPadOS apps. Apple has announced its Swift Challenge 2027 dates - image credit: Apple. Every year, Apple's Swift Student Challenge promotes app development and then celebrates winners in the run-up to WWDC . The challenge is not open for long, however, and in 2027 it will run from February 8 to February 28. Apple has also announced that the 2027 contest will be open to apps for any of its platforms. So instead of chiefly iOS , students will now get to submit for the Mac , Apple Watch , Apple TV , and Apple Vision Pro , as well as the iPhone and iPad . Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Apple today announced the Swift Student Challenge for 2027 , with submissions set to be accepted from February 8 to February 28, 2027. The Swift Student Challenge is an annual contest that gives young developers worldwide a chance to show off their creativity and app development skills by creating an app. Apple says students should submit an app built in Xcode or Swift Playground that can be experienced within three minutes. Students can submit an app for any platform this year, which is new. In prior years, apps were designed for iOS devices. Ahead of the contest, Apple is offering students tutorials and Meet with Apple online sessions to learn new coding intelligence features and get inspiration for their projects. There are also Develop in Swift tutorials covering Swift UI, AI and machine learning, and spatial computing. Apple will select winners who "demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact, or inclusivity." A group of Distinguished Winners will be invited to Apple Park in Cupertino, California to attend Apple's WWDC 2027 event. Rules and eligibility details can be found on the Swift Student Challenge website . Apple hasn't announced dates for WWDC 2027, but the event is typically held in June. In 2027, Apple will announce iOS 28, iPadOS 28, macOS 28, and other '28 software updates. Tag: Swift Student Challenge Related Forum: Apple, Inc and Tech Industry This article, " Apple Announces Swift Student Challenge Ahead of WWDC 2027 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Earlier today, it was once again reported that the next-generation iPad Air will be equipped with an OLED display , albeit with a 60Hz refresh rate. That is not all, of course, with the new iPad mini announced last month likely providing us with a preview of some other upgrades coming to the iPad Air in the first half of 2027. Below, we have outlined 10 new features that are likely for the next iPad Air: OLED display with more vivid colors and increased contrast ratio, but likely 60Hz still Thinner bezels around the display Nano-texture display option for reduced glare M5 chip: up to 20% faster performance compared to the M4 chip in the current model Approximately 15% thinner and 15% lighter design compared to the current model Acoustic Display: screen vibrations produce sound, no speaker holes IP67-rated water and dust resistance Apple's C2 modem in cellular models with "meaningfully faster uploads" compared to Apple's previous C1X modem Adaptive True Tone flash for improved photos and document scanning Fast-charging support: up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 35W or higher adapter A specific timeframe for the next iPad Air has yet to be rumored, but an announcement in March or April next year is a reasonable guess. Related Roundup: iPad Air Buyer's Guide: iPad Air (Neutral) Related Forum: iPad This article, " Next iPad Air Likely to Have These 10 New Features " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Apple today announced a new accessibility feature for the Apple TV app that gives viewers the option to watch supported movies and shows with on-screen sign language interpretation. An interpreter will appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen, with the experience said to have been designed and tested by Deaf and native signers. The feature is available in the Apple TV app on devices running iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2 or later. American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be available for Being Heumann , which chronicles the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The movie begins streaming in the Apple TV app on Friday. Apple said sign language interpretation will also be available for the movie F1 , and for the movies Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound later this year. Over time, the option will expand to additional Apple Original films and series. "Each performance is carefully crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets," said Apple. Titles with sign language interpretation will be labeled with a Sign Language icon. Viewers can enable the feature in the Apple TV app's settings, and then press the Sign Language button while watching a supported movie or show. Search will also make it easier to find titles that feature sign language with simple phrases like "with ASL." As sign language interpretation becomes more widely available across streaming services, a new "Movies & Shows with American Sign Language" collection will be added to the Apple TV app. Apple mentioning plural "streaming services" suggests that the option will eventually be available for more than just Apple Originals. "At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. "Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences." Related Roundup: Apple TV Tag: Accessibility Buyer's Guide: Apple TV (Buy Now) Related Forum: Apple TV and Home Theater This article, " New Apple TV Sign Language Feature Announced " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
