Apple announces June date for WWDC, hope grows for new iPhone hardware

Apple recently announced the date of its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), an event that has for the past two years been the launching point for new iPhone handsets. The 2009 WWDC is scheduled to run from June 8 through the 12 at San Francisco's Moscone convention center.

It is unclear if Apple CEO Steve Jobs will be giving the keynote speech, as he has been on medical leave from the company and is not expected to return to active duty until the end of June, 2009.

Earlier this month Apple provided developers and the media with a sneak peak at its iPhone 3.0 operating system, which is expected to be available to consumers later this year - perhaps on new Apple hardware.

In related news, AT&T and Apple both started selling the iPhone 3G without a contract. The 8GB model sells for US$599 and the 16GB model sells for $699. AT&T requires that purchasers already be on contract with AT&T, while Apple appears to have no such requirement.