Apple's big news coming in June

Apple typically makes news at its annual Worldwide Developers conference (WWDC), held each spring. Click through this gallery for highlights from past WWDCs.

Steve Jobs, then Apple's interim CEO, gave the keynote address in May 1999 at the WWDC, typically a launching pad for products. That year Jobs announced a new Powerbook computer.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs demonstrated a preview of Apple's forthcoming Mac OS X operating system during his WWDC keynote address in May 2000.

At this WWDC, Jobs announced that Apple's Mac OS X would be pre-installed along with Mac OS 9 in all new Mac computers.

At the 2002 WWDC, Jobs presided over a theatrical mock funeral for Apple's OS 9 operating system, complete with casket, fog and organ music. "It's been a good friend," he said.

At WWDC 2003, Jobs unveiled the new Power Mac G5 desktop computer as well as iPhoto, iMovie and other software tools. That year Apple also pre-screened the Pixar movie, "Finding Nemo."

Jobs posed here with a new flat-panel display, the first 30-inch model designed for the personal computer. He also announced the 2005 release of OSX Tiger.

Jobs opened his 2005 WWDC keynote by using a computer with an Intel processor, representing Apple's switch from IBM to Intel for its processing chips.

Attendees eyed a new Apple Mac Pro desktop computer at the WWDC in 2006 in San Francisco. Jobs kicked off the conference with announcements of a new Mac Pro desktop computer and a forthcoming Mac OS X Leopard operating system.

This WWDC marked the launch of the original iPhone, which had been unveiled at an event in January of that year. The phone went on sale in the United States three weeks later, on June 29.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs launched the iPhone 3G, and compared it to other phones, at the 2008 WWDC. He also introduced the App Store, which would open to the public the next month and has served more than 50 billion downloads to date.

Apple Senior Vice President of iPhone Software Scott Forstall wore a lab coat and safety goggles while demoing a science app for the iPhone at the WWDC in June 2009. Jobs, suffering from cancer, was on medical leave at the time. That year Apple kicked off the conference by unveiling the iPhone 3GS.

Jobs, looking alarmingly thin, introduced the iPhone 4 during his keynote address at the 2010 WWDC.

Jobs returned from another medical leave to deliver the WWDC keynote address on June 6, 2011, when he introduced Apple's iCloud storage system. The Apple co-founder died four months later.

Tim Cook gave his first WWDC keynote at the 2012 conference, where he announced new models of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a handful of new products at WWDC 2013, including iTunes Radio, refreshed Macs and a preview of iOS 7.

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• Apple's annual developers conference will take place June 2-6 in San Francisco


• The company traditionally makes operating system and software announcements at WWDC


• Apple could announce iOS 8, a Mac OS X update, and refresh its line of desktops and laptops

(CNN) -- Barring a surprise, the next big round of Apple announcements are coming June 2.

The company has announced the dates for its next Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), an annual event where Apple gives the press and developers a peek at its latest projects.

Because it's a conference for application developers, the big unveilings tend to focus on operating systems and software, so don't bet on any major iPhone or iPad announcements. Desktop and laptop lines may get a refresh at the event, however.

Last year, Apple announced the latest version of its desktop operating system, OS X Mavericks, and a heavily redesigned update to the mobile operating system, iOS 7. They also gave us the first peek at the cylindrical Mac Pro.

This year Apple will likely preview iOS 8, the updated operating system for iPhones and iPads. One rumored new feature is Healthbook, a hub for health and fitness apps that take advantage of all the sensors packed into the mobile devices.

There's also good chance we'll get an update to OS X, following up Mavericks with a new Mac operating system, 10.10. Apple could also update the MacBook, iMac and MacBook Air with new, faster processors. The MacBook Air might finally get "retina display," Apple's term for its high-res screens.

The long rumored iWatch could also make its debut at this event, although that seems unlikely. But Apple is notoriously secretive and might still be able to slip in a few surprises.

WWDC lasts five days, running from June 2 to 6. For consumers, the real action happens during the opening keynote when CEO Tim Cook and select Apple executives take the stage to give a choreographed pep talk and demonstration of new products.

After the splashy news announcements, developers from around the world attend sessions, classes and talks to learn the nitty-gritty details of creating programs for the various operating systems. They get one-on-one time with Apple engineers and work hands-on with the new platforms.

It's also a huge networking event, peppered with meet-ups, open bars and parties. Apple says 1,000 Apple engineers and 5,000 developers attend WWDC.

Most of the major tech companies with platforms host annual developers conferences. In addition to getting free news coverage, the companies can make tidy amounts of money on the events.

WWDC costs $1,599 to attend, while this week's Microsoft Build lasts three days and costs $2,095, and Google I/O is three days and $900. And on April 30, Facebook is bringing back its one-day F8 developer conference after a hiatus.