Apple"s WWDC (Worldwide Developer Conference) kicks off on June 8th with an opening keynote, which is usually used to unveil a new product or two, followed by smaller keynotes with sessions aimed at developers.
Those developers are banned from making audio or video recordings using professional equipment and have been for years but there is a new addition to Apple"s WWDC web page: no selfie sticks. Under the section entitled "No Photography, Smoking, or Soliciting" can be found the following paragraph (emphasis ours):
You are not permitted to make audio or audiovisual recordings of WWDC or take professional photographic or video equipment, or wearable recording devices into Moscone West or Yerba Buena Gardens. In addition, you may not use selfie sticks or similar monopods within Moscone West or Yerba Buena Gardens.
Selfie sticks and monopods have become massively popular over the past few years, especially among tourists who want to take a group photo. The rise of good quality smartphone cameras has only increased the need and other events, such as the music festival Coachella, have moved to ban the device.
Apple"s objection likely lays in the obstruction of other people"s views by those using a selfie stick or monopod. The sticks can extend up to several feet with a smartphone attached to the top, creating a sizeable disturbance for anyone situated behind. Many have decried the use of selfie sticks, however, so perhaps this won"t be too much of a problem.
Source: Apple | Image via MiniSuit