Just a few days ago, Apple launched its first iOS Developer Center in Italy. Specifically, this center is located on the new San Giovanni campus in Teduccio, belonging to the Federico II University of Naples (Italy).
Despite the recent launch, the popularity of the iOS Developer Center appears to be such that Apple is already planning its expansion.
The success of the Apple Developer Center will allow you to expand
On the occasion of the opening of the Apple Developer Center, an event was held attended by Apple's Vice President of Environment and Social Initiatives, Lisa P. Jackson. At the event, which was covered by the Italian website Maccitynet.it, Jackson told the students gathered there that the iOS Foundation program had been designed to teach students the fundamentals of developing applications for iOS something that, on the other hand, it is quite evident. But the news was not that, far from it.
Apple plans to expand the iOS Foundation Program by creating a reduced version of it that will be taught in "at least five universities". This "mini" program will last between three and four weeks, will teach its participants to develop applications for iOS and will be taught in five university centers throughout the Italian region of Campania. With this, Apple's forecasts estimate that the iOS Foundation program will be available to at least 800 students during their first year of teaching.
A great opportunity for young people
Jackson shared some of the aspects of this upcoming program, but basically said that it aims to introduce students to the iOS ecosystem.
It is a great opportunity to extend the wonderful start from here. It is a great opportunity to work with students and teach the entire region and advance our work and the work that is being done at the first academy in Europe.
With both the iOS Developer Center and the iOS Foundation Program, Apple hopes to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to make the leap from the education they receive in schools and colleges to the true work involved in developing applications.
As stated by Lisa Jackson, it is extremely important for Apple to help "unlock the potential of young developers" and make sure that app development is open to everyone by giving young people the "crucial skills and support" to enter the economic industry of app development.
The first edition: 200 students chosen from thousands of candidates
The first iOS application developer center was officially opened to students last Wednesday. The first call only offered 200 places that have already been awarded. In a first batch, a hundred students have begun their studies. They will be joined by another hundred participants in three months.
Thousands of applicants applied to achieve one of these two hundred places, which would have served for Apple to decide to expand the training program to other universities.
The complete course will last for nine months and it will teach students to write code and create applications for Apple iOS devices, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
Also, thanks to the collaboration between Apple and the University of Naples, scholarships have been created that will allow students to attend for free and enjoy iPad, iPhone and MacBook devices.
Will it be screened outside of Italy?
For the moment, both the iOS Developer Center and the iOS Foundation Program have been limited to Italy, however, it is logical to imagine that, if it is a success, as it seems it will be, both could be exported to other countries .
As early as nine months ago, when Apple announced the idea, Tim Cook himself noted that “Europe is home to some of the most creative developers in the world and we are delighted to help the next generation of Italian entrepreneurs acquire the skills to succeed".
