Apple is gearing up for its next Swift Student Challenge, slated for February 2024, with some significant enhancements. For the first time ever, the tech giant is providing advanced notice, giving students ample time to prepare for the competition. The Swift Student Challenge, a beloved annual event, challenges students to create innovative coding projects using the Swift Playgrounds app.

This year’s competition promises even more excitement, as there will be a grand total of 350 winners. The most notable addition is the introduction of a ‘Distinguished Winner’ category, recognizing a select group of 50 standout submissions. What’s truly thrilling is that all Distinguished Winners will have the incredible opportunity to visit Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. During their visit, they will be able to connect with their fellow coding enthusiasts and engage with the Apple team. Moreover, every single winner, not just the Distinguished ones, will be granted a complimentary one-year membership in the Apple Developer program.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations and Education & Enterprise Marketing, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “At Apple, we believe that everyone can learn to code and build apps, and we’re proud to support and recognize aspiring student developers with the Swift Student Challenge each year. We know that students are eager to learn coding skills to solve challenges they care about—whether it’s building an app to help peers identify mental health resources or supporting sustainability efforts on campus—and want to know how to get started. Apple is releasing new coding resources for students and educators, working with our community partners on dedicated Swift programming, and sharing advance notice of the Swift Student Challenge timeline for 2024. We can’t wait to see the app playgrounds students submit next year.“

While the Swift Student Challenge is not new, it typically aligns with the announcement of the dates for Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). In the past, winners have been invited to attend the conference. This year’s 50 Distinguished Winners, however, will be invited to Cupertino “next summer.”

Starting in February 2024, students will have a three-week window to submit their app playgrounds to Apple. The judging criteria will include technical accomplishment, creativity of ideas, and the content of written explanations detailing the project. Aspiring student developers can register on the Apple Developer website to receive notifications when submissions open.

In addition to the Swift Student Challenge, Apple is launching four new ‘Everyone Can Code’ projects. These projects are designed to empower students to learn how to create apps and refine their app development skills. The new projects will guide students in designing a simple app, building with stacks and shapes, creating custom shapes, and designing an app icon.

With these exciting developments, Apple is furthering its commitment to fostering the next generation of coders and innovators, providing them with invaluable resources, recognition, and opportunities to grow in the world of app development.