Here’s everything Apple has coming this May, and what not to expect

May is here, which means we’re only one month away from Apple’s big WWDC reveals. But the company still has plenty happening in May, here’s everything we know is coming this month.

iOS 26.5 will bring new iPhone features this month

iOS 26.5 is launching this month, alongside companion updates like iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and more.

With iOS 27 right around the corner, iOS 26.5 is understandably a smaller release in terms of new features.

Here’s what’s new:

• Apple Maps: New ‘Suggested Places’ feature in search
• Messages: RCS end-to-end encrypted messaging is now available in beta
• App Store: Much of the world will get a new in-app subscription option
• Accessories: Apple’s Magic accessories get a handy compatibility change
• EU: Several changes currently in testing

Though they’re not in the betas yet, we’re also expecting a new Pride wallpaper in iOS and iPadOS 26.5, and accompanying watch face in watchOS 26.5.

Apple previews new Accessibility features for iOS 27

Apple has made a tradition of previewing its lineup of forthcoming accessibility features every May, right around Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

We’re expecting the company to unveil new accessibility features for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more via a press release around mid-May.

Last year the announcements happened on May 13, and the year before it was May 15.

iOS 26.6 betas possible, but they might wait until June

For the last two years, Apple has held off releasing its first x.6 betas until after WWDC.

However, in 2023 and earlier, it was common for new betas to drop in May—or even sooner.

iOS 16.6 beta 1 arrived May 19, iOS 15.6 beta 1 on May 18, and iOS 14.6 in April.

So if Apple sticks with its pattern the last two years, iOS 26.5’s soon-to-end beta cycle will likely be the last betas we see until June. But if the company returns to older habits, iOS 26.6 beta 1 might arrive in May.

New Apple TV and Apple Arcade releases

Apple TV has several brand new series premiering in May, plus a new movie that serves as John Travolta’s directorial debut.

• Unconditional, an international crime thriller, premieres May 8
• Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, a dark comedy/thriller series, premieres May 20
• Propeller One-Way Night Coach, a new film from John Travolta, premieres May 29
• Star City, a sci-fi spinoff of For All Mankind, also arrives May 29

Apple Arcade has four new games coming on Thursday, May 7:

• Good Pizza, Great Pizza+
• Nick Jr. Replay!
• Perchang World
• Ultimate 8 Ball Pool+

Apple hardware launches are not expected in May

Apple has had a big year of product launches already, but we likely won’t see anything new until at least WWDC.

There are 15+ new Apple products rumored to launch before the year ends. And Apple does sometimes hold launches in May, but currently no rumored products appear imminent.

New Apple Home products like a refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod have reportedly been ready for a while, but Apple is apparently delaying launches until its new Siri arrives.

And while new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and base iPads were once all rumored to launch in the first half of the year, they all now seem unlikely too.

Best iPhone accessories

• AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249)
• MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
• 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
• 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter
• Apple’s new AirTag 2 (1-pack / 4-pack)