Apple will reopen its annual Swift Student Challenge on February 6, inviting young developers from around the world to showcase their coding skills. The event runs for three weeks, ending on February 28. Apple also released new Develop in Swift tutorials and “Meet with Apple” code-along sessions to help participants prepare.
Apple Newsroom highlighted three past winners whose projects show how the challenge helps students grow as developers. Brayden Gogis built two apps: Solisquare, a modern spin on a card game, and Joybox, a group-sharing app for photos, stories, and music. Adrit Rao created Signer, an accessibility tool that uses Core ML to translate sign language into speech. Sofia Sandoval designed Cariño, a digital card app that lets users send personal messages across long distances.
A Chance to Build and Learn
The Swift Student Challenge gives students the chance to create an “app playground” using Swift Playgrounds or Xcode. Apple said submissions will be judged on innovation, creativity, social impact, and inclusivity. Winners will receive recognition from Apple, and a smaller group of Distinguished Winners will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Cupertino for a special three-day experience.
The program often overlaps with Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where Distinguished Winners are invited to attend WWDC at Apple Park. Although Apple has not yet confirmed dates for WWDC 2026, the event is expected in June, where Apple will preview iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more.
Apple’s renewed focus on the Swift Student Challenge continues its effort to inspire the next generation of developers through learning, creativity, and community.
