Between iOS 26.5, Apple TV premieres and the calm before WWDC: This is Apple's May schedule.
May is here – and with it, the last full month before WWDC 2026, which Apple kicks off on June 8th. Nevertheless, the next four weeks still hold some exciting events. iOS 26.5 is about to be released, Apple TV is launching several new series and a film, and preparations are underway for the accessibility preview and possible first iOS 26.6 betas. However, don't expect any major hardware announcements.
iOS 26.5 is ready – here's what the update brings
The most important software release of the month is iOS 26.5. Apple has already completed the beta phase with Beta 4, which usually indicates an imminent release. The corresponding companion updates will be released simultaneously: iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.
Since iOS 27 is already on the horizon, iOS 26.5 is intentionally more compact in terms of features. Here's an overview of the most important new features:
- Apple Maps: A new feature called “Suggested Places” recommends trending places and popular destinations in the area in the search field.
- News: RCS is getting a beta version with end-to-end encryption – an important step for communication with Android users.
- App Store: A new subscription option is rolling out in large parts of the world: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. Learn more in our article about the new App Store monthly subscriptions with a fixed term.
- Magic Accessories: Apple's keyboards and mice receive a compatibility adjustment that makes switching between devices easier.
- EU-specific changes: Several DMA adjustments are currently in the testing phase.
Additionally, a new Pride wallpaper for iOS and iPadOS, as well as a matching Pride watch face for the Apple Watch, are expected – neither of which appeared in the previous betas, but are traditionally part of the May release. We've compiled all the details and the expected release date in our overview of iOS 26.5. You can find the current beta status in our report on iOS 26.5 Beta 4.
Accessibility preview for iOS 27 – traditionally in mid-May
Every year, Apple uses May to give a preview of the upcoming accessibility features of the next software generation. The occasion is Global Accessibility Awareness Day. This is likely to be no different in 2026.
A press release is expected around the middle of the month, in which Apple will introduce the new accessibility features for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27. In the past two years, the announcements were released on May 13th and 15th, respectively – a similar timeframe is therefore likely. Experience shows that the accessibility preview is the first concrete indication of the direction Apple's next software year will take.
iOS 26.6 Beta: Possible, but not guaranteed
The situation is somewhat less certain regarding the first betas of iOS 26.6. For the past two years, Apple has only released the x.6 betas after WWDC – meaning no earlier than June. Before that, it was common practice for the first test builds to reach developers as early as May.
The statistics clearly show the pattern of previous years: iOS 16.6 Beta 1 was released on May 19th, iOS 15.6 Beta 1 on May 18th, and iOS 14.6 even as early as April. If Apple sticks to its more recent release schedule, then Beta 4 of iOS 26.5 was the last test version until June. However, should the company revert to its earlier habits, the first iOS 26.6 beta could arrive as early as May. Only the course of the month will provide clarity.
Apple TV and Apple Arcade: Full lineup in May
While hardware fans will have to take a back seat this month, streaming and gaming enthusiasts are in for a treat. Apple TV is launching several new titles – including a crime series, a dark comedy, John Travolta's directorial debut, and a sci-fi spin-off from the "For All Mankind" universe.
May highlights on Apple TV:
- May 8: “Unconditional” – an international crime thriller is launching as a series.
- May 20: “Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” – a dark comedy-thriller series premieres.
- May 29: “Propeller One-Way Night Coach” – John Travolta’s directorial debut is released as a film.
- May 29: “Star City” – the sci-fi spin-off to “For All Mankind” – is also starting.
Apple Arcade is also following suit: On Thursday, May 7th, Four new ad-free titles are coming to the service – including “Good Pizza, Great Pizza+”, “Nick Jr. Replay!”, „Perchang World”, and “Ultimate 8 Ball Pool+”. We've covered what else is coming to this console replacement for the iPhone in our [article/review/etc.]. Apple Arcade May Overview summarized.
Hardware? Probably not – here's why
As active as the software and streaming program is, things are expected to remain quiet on the hardware front in May. Apple has already launched a whole wave of products in the first few months of the year. The rest of the year is dominated by the iPhone 18 family and its successors – highlights that Apple traditionally saves for the fall. In total, more than 15 new products are slated for release in the second half of the year, as we have already detailed in our overview of the first Apple products under CEO John Ternus.
Several devices originally expected for spring are stalled for various reasons. The new Apple TV 4K and the HomePod 3 are reportedly technically ready – but Apple is waiting for the launch of the revamped Siri, which will only arrive with iOS 27. You can find more background information on the delay in our Apple TV 4K rumor roundup and HomePod 3 overview. We've summarized what happens with Siri's AI relaunch separately in our Siri iOS 27 article.
The release of the new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and entry-level iPad, originally slated for spring, is also currently uncertain. Apple is struggling with supply shortages – see our report on the order freeze for the Mac mini and Mac Studio. The likelihood of Apple unveiling any of these Macs in May is currently considered very low.
What matters in May – and what requires patience
May 2026 won't be a month of major headlines, but it will certainly be one of substantial progress. iOS 26.5 concludes the current software chapter, the Accessibility Preview offers a first glimpse of what iOS 27 will bring, and Apple TV demonstrates with four high-profile premieres that its streaming strategy is gaining momentum. Those waiting for new hardware, however, should be patient: the next big event is WWDC 2026 on June 8th. We've already compiled what might happen there in our WWDC 2026 overview.
Apple in May 2026 – the most important points at a glance
May 2026 is clearly all about software: iOS 26.5 will be released along with accompanying updates, RCS will receive encrypted messaging, and Apple Maps will gain a new recommendation feature called "Suggested Places." The accessibility preview for iOS 27, traditionally released mid-month, offers a first look at the next software generation. Apple TV will feature four high-profile premieres, and Apple Arcade will add four new games. Hardware news will be quiet – both Apple Home devices and the next Macs are still awaiting their debut. The next major Apple event is WWDC 2026 on June 8th.
The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / sixth daeng)
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