May is here, which means we’re only a month away from Apple’s big reveals at WWDC. But the company still has a lot going on in May, here’s everything we know for this month.
iOS 26.5 will bring new iPhone features this month
iOS 26.5 launches this month, alongside companion updates like iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and more.
With iOS 27 around the corner, iOS 26.5 is naturally a smaller release in terms of new features.
Here are the new features:
Although they’re not in beta yet, we’re also expecting a new Pride wallpaper in iOS and iPadOS 26.5, as well as the accompanying watch face in watchOS 26.5.
Apple previews new accessibility features for iOS 27
Apple has made it a tradition to preview its upcoming lineup of accessibility features every May, just in time for World Accessibility Awareness Day.
We expect 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 took place on May 13, and the year before, on May 15.
iOS 26.6 beta possible, but they could wait until June
For the past two years, Apple has delayed releasing its first x.6 betas until after WWDC.
However, in 2023 and before, it was common for new betas to drop in May or even earlier.
iOS 16.6 beta 1 arrived on May 19, iOS 15.6 beta 1 on May 18, and iOS 14.6 in April.
So if Apple sticks to its pattern of the past two years, the soon-to-end iOS 26.5 beta cycle will likely be the last one we see before June. But if the company returns to its old ways, iOS 26.6 beta 1 could arrive in May.
New Apple TV and Apple Arcade versions
Apple TV has several new series premiering in May, as well as a new movie that marks John Travolta’s directorial debut.
Apple Arcade offers four new games Thursday May 7:
Apple hardware launches not expected in May
Apple has already had a big year of product launches, but we probably won’t see anything new until at least WWDC.
More than 15 new Apple products are rumored to launch before the end of the year. And Apple sometimes holds launches in May, but currently no product rumors appear imminent.
New Apple Home products, like the refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod, have reportedly been ready for some time, but Apple is apparently delaying launches until its new Siri arrives.
And while the new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and base iPad were once rumored to launch in the first half of the year, they now seem unlikely as well.
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