Apple Unveils Plans for Worldwide Developer Conference

Technical Forum Equips Developers to Set Direction for Future Apple Platform Support

CUPERTINO, California--March 5, 1996--Recognizing the integral role developers play in every platform's success, Apple Computer, Inc., today announced its plans for the 1996 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), May 13-17 at the San Jose Convention Center. One of the computer industry's first and most respected technical symposiums, WWDC helps attendees make strategic development decisions by providing in-depth information about the direction of existing and emerging Apple technology.

Anticipation is building for this year's conference, where participants are expected to receive the first widely-distributed developer release of Copland, the next-generation operating system for the Apple Macintosh computer. Conference sessions are being designed to help developers prepare for Copland's debut, emphasizing product planning issues such as compatibility testing and adoption strategies.

Other core technologies and tools from Apple and its third-party development allies will be featured throughout the week in a robust mix of technical sessions, networking opportunities, hands-on tutorials, developer product exhibits, business strategy sessions and social events. In particular, OpenDoc [ http://opendoc.apple.com/ ] component software, Newton and Pippin platforms, communications and collaboration capabilities and multimedia technology will receive special attention. Two overarching topics--Internet and cross- platform development concerns--will influence all conference tracks.

"WWDC is the best opportunity I have to hear details of what's coming from Apple during the next year, and what's likely to materialize across the rest of the personal computer world a year or two later," said Denis Stanton of Maris Multimedia Limited, producer of RedShift Multimedia Astronomy and the popular Wings CD-ROM series. "I benefit in several ways: by seeing new technologies 'up close,' and by participating in individual meetings with Apple engineers. Face-to-face meetings at WWDC are particularly useful because, as a UK-based developer, I have limited access to Apple's Cupertino headquarters."

"Having recently joined Apple after 15 years as the CEO of a company that produces software for multiple platforms, I know how valuable it is to have direct contact with Apple's R&D staff, engineers and Developer Relations team," said Heidi Roizen, vice president, Apple developer relations. "WWDC enables Apple to speak with one, focused voice to our most active developers; at the same time it gives our constituents a much-needed mechanism to offer feedback. Perhaps more important, WWDC helps Apple encourage developers to forge relationships with one another."

Last year was a milestone in WWDC's 13-year history, with record attendance of more than 4,000. The conference was praised by participants and press for adopting a more "open" agenda, which showcased the first public demonstrations of Copland and Cyberdog (Apple's OpenDoc-based Internet solution tool suite). This year, Apple expects to improve on WWDC's previous success, with early registration volumes well above 1995 levels.

Any professional hardware or software developer may attend WWDC. The registration fee for the week-long symposium is U.S. $995 if received by April 5, 1996. Thereafter, the fee is $1,095.

Additional WWDC conference and registration information is available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.info.wwdc.carlson.com/ or by fax-on-demand service at (800) 510-4529. The conference registration telephone number is (800) 417-3004 for U.S. developers, and (415) 283-3179 for international developers. Companies interested in sponsoring WWDC vendor exhibits should call (415) 283-3176 for additional information.

Apple Computer, Inc., a recognized innovator in the information industry and leader in multimedia technologies, creates powerful solutions based on easy-to-use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services, and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) develops, manufactures, licenses and markets solutions, products, technologies and services for business, education, consumer, entertainment, scientific and engineering and government customers in over 140 countries.

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Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, OpenDoc, and Newton are registered trademarks, and Pippin is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other brand names mentioned are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.