Apple launches 2024 Swift Student Challenge

Apple has started to accept entries to the Swift Student Challenge for 2024, with a top prize of a trip to Apple Park up for grabs.

Initially confirmed as on the way in November, the 2024 iteration of the Swift Student Challenge has begun. Aimed at giving student developers the opportunity to put their creativity and coding skills to the test, Apple is now taking applications for entry for the year's contest.

As usual, participants taking part are playing for prizes, which includes a one-year membership for the Apple Developer Program, a complimentary voucher for an App Development with Swift certification exam, and a "special gift" from Apple.

New for 2024, out of the 350 winners, Apple will recognize 50 of them as Distinguished Winners for their "outstanding submissions." The group, who will need to demonstrate "excellence in innovation creativity, social impact, or inclusivity," will be rewarded with a three-day visit to Apple Park in Cupertino, complete with travel, lodging, time with Apple engineers, and "unforgettable experiences."

Participants need to be 13 years of age or older in the United States, or their jurisdiction's equivalent minimum age, and registered as an Apple developer or be in the Apple Development Program. They also need to be enrolled in an accredited academic institution, official homeschool equivalent, be enrolled in a STEM organization's curriculum, be in the Apple Developer Academy, or have graduated within the last six months from high school.

Apple also limits participants to winning the Swift Student Challenge award up to four times.

Participants must made an interactive scene in an app playground within Swift Playgrounds 4.4 or later or Xcode 15, with the experience lasting within three minutes. It should run locally without relying on network access, and be up to 25MB in size.

Apple is accepting entries for the Swift Student Challenge up until February 25.