I have followed with great interest (how could it be otherwise) the development of the Coronavirus epidemic in the United States, not only for the humanitarian question (the American medical system - fundamentally private and complex - means that many Americans do not consult unless it's not obvious that they need help) but because of the situation where Trump's cuts have let the Administration react (let's not talk about prevention) to a potentially serious situation like this.
The subsequent cancellations of the Facebook and Google events (preceded by what seemed at the time an exaggerated measure with the cancellation of the MWC in Barcelona) seemed to indicate that Apple's WWDC, which takes place in June, could follow the same path.
What definitely seems to tip the balance towards canceling WWDC was the news today that the Santa Clara County Governing Body (which groups cities like Cupertino, Palo Alto, Mountain View and San José) banned meetings of more than 1000 people for three weeks (initially).
The ban on holding these meetings goes into effect at midnight on March 11 and comes after Santa Clara County recorded its first death from the coronavirus. Santa Clara County currently has 43 cases of COVID-19, but there are more cases in other Bay Area counties.
Apple usually holds the global developer meeting in June at the McEnery Convention Center in San José, California, and although the ban does not affect it in principle, the fact that it is a meeting attended by people from all over the world. , makes it a huge source of spread of the virus in all directions.
Even assuming the outbreak appears to be controlled between now and June, the fact that most carriers suffer from it with mild symptoms - and therefore are unaware that they have it, transforms a meeting of six thousand people at one point. unsustainable contagion from Apple.
What can Apple do to have something like WWDC?
Apple's strategy for organizing a virtual WWDC is to offer the opening lecture at the Steve Jobs Theater (on Apple's campus), with Apple workers and some mass media journalists as the audience, which would offer the backdrop of applause. and enthusiasm that ads require.
The rest of the sessions would be through virtual meeting rooms (no pressure from the Messages for Business team, huh?) Where you can interact with engineers and ask questions and queries about the new and latest technologies incorporated by Apple - remember we're at launch. of 5G, that there are new specifications for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, which Apple has joined the association to develop a standard for the connected home, etc.)
What is lost, without a doubt, are the rumors, the knowledge of other developers working on similar or compatible solutions… or simply inspiring.
And of course, as happened in Barcelona, for the city of San José it is an economic catastrophe: no hotels, no restaurants, no parties, no taxis, no flights ...
Furthermore, the production halt in China is already producing rumors of delays in the launch of new phone models, etc. (Fortunately, the operating systems are developed inside the house) so the second half of the year for Apple is absolutely atypical.
It's a good time to have the piggy bank full to the max, and certainly with the downturn they have taken in the stock market they have taken the opportunity to buy even more shares for a good price.
But that's another topic. For the moment, the hope remains that WWDC will be celebrated as it does every year, because it will be a sign that the threat of Covid-19 is under control.
We will continue to inform.
