WWDC 2018 ticket lottery concludes, Apple sending emails to the victors

Having closed its ticket lottery on Thursday, Apple is now informing developers of their selection for this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, scheduled to start June 4 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose.

Entrants were competing for just 5,000 spots at a cost of $1,599 each. While registered developers will be able to follow along with some events online, including via Apple's WWDC app, attending in person is an opportunity to socialize with other developers and talk to Apple engineers.

The highlight of the conference is usually its opening keynote, when Apple executives preview fall versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Sometimes the presentation includes surprises, and this year is likely to see mention of HomePod plans.

The company may choose to announce new hardware, such as refreshed iPad Pros with TrueDepth cameras, eight-core "A11X" processors, and slimmer bezels. Apple is also rumored to be working on things like a cheaper HomePod model, and a true replacement for the MacBook Air.

Updated iPad Pros could arrive before then, and indeed Apple should at least launch a refreshed "budget" iPad at its March 27 press event. An "iPhone SE 2" may or may not be in the pipe.

Last year's WWDC saw things like the unveiling of the HomePod, and the introduction of a new iPad interface included with iOS 11. The company also made some behind-the-scenes announcements, such as plans for easier HomeKit adoption.