Apple announced today that applications for the 2026 Swift Student Challenge are now open until Saturday, February 28.
The annual Swift Student Challenge gives eligible student developers from around the world the opportunity to showcase their coding skills using Swift Playground or Xcode to create an interactive “app playground”.
Apple said winners will be selected based on entries that “demonstrate excellence in innovation, creativity, social impact or inclusivity.” A subset of distinguished winners with “truly exceptional” entries will be invited to visit Apple in Cupertino, California for three days in the summer of 2026, including travel and accommodations.
Honorary winners are usually invited to Apple’s annual WWDC developer conference at Apple Park. Apple has yet to announce the dates of WWDC 2026, but the week-long conference is usually held in June.
WWDC 2026 is where Apple will announce iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, visionOS 27 and other software updates.
Apple has outlined the key things you should know on its developer news page.
Popular stories
iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 will add these new features to your iPhone
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of the public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. After beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we’ve recapped the so-far known or rumored features of iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easy to…
Apple has made its second largest acquisition of all time
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for nearly $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make the acquisition Apple’s second largest ever, after it paid $3 billion for popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. It’s also Apple’s biggest-known acquisition since it bought Intel’s smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019.
Tim Cook shows off plans for Apple’s upcoming 50th anniversary
Apple turns 50 this year, and CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. “I’ve been unusually reflective about Apple lately as we’ve been working on what we’re going to do to mark that moment,” Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. “When you really stop and stop and think about the last 50 years, it blows your mind…
Apple TV announces 12 new shows and movies this year
Apple on Tuesday unveiled 12 new shows and movies that will premiere on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. New Series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo’s Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow’s Bay — April 29, 2026 May — Maximum 20 02 05 June Satisfaction Guaranteed 5 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 New Movies: Eternity — …
Apple starts selling refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models at lower prices
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its US online store, with prices reduced by 12% to 22% compared to current or previous Apple device prices. Here are Apple’s starting prices when the device launches in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:…