May has arrived, which means there is only one month left until Apple's big WWDC announcements. However, the company has many events happening in May, here is everything expected this month.

iOS 26.5 will bring new iPhone features this month

iOS 26.5 is being released this month, along with accompanying updates like iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5.

Considering that iOS 27 is just around the corner, it is understandable that iOS 26.5 is a smaller release in terms of new features.

New features include:

  • Apple Maps: New 'Suggested Places' feature for search
  • Messages: RCS end-to-end encrypted messaging is now available in beta
  • App Store: A new in-app subscription option is coming for a large part of the world
  • Accessories: A useful compatibility change for Apple's Magic accessories
  • EU: Several changes currently in testing

Even though they are still in beta, we expect a new Pride wallpaper in iOS and iPadOS 26.5 and an accompanying watch face in watchOS 26.5.

Apple previews new Accessibility features for iOS 27

Apple has maintained the tradition of previewing upcoming accessibility features close to Global Accessibility Awareness Day every May.

We expect the company to announce new accessibility features for iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more through a press release in mid-May.

Last year, announcements took place on May 13, and the year before that on May 15.

iOS 26.6 beta releases are possible, but they may wait until June

For the past two years, Apple has preferred to release the first x.6 beta versions after WWDC.

However, in 2023 and before, it was common for new beta versions to be released in May or earlier.

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

Therefore, if Apple continues its habits from the last two years, the ending beta cycle of iOS 26.5 may be the last beta versions we see until June. However, if the company returns to its old habits, iOS 26.6 beta 1 could arrive in May.

New Apple TV and Apple Arcade releases

Apple TV is coming with many new series and a new film that marks John Travolta's directorial debut in May.

  • Unconditional, an international crime thriller, will premiere on May 8
  • Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, a dark comedy/thriller series, will premiere on May 20
  • Propeller One-Way Night Coach, John Travolta's new film, will premiere on May 29
  • Star City, a sci-fi side story of the For All Mankind series, is coming on May 29

Apple Arcade is offering four new games on Thursday, May 7:

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

No new Apple hardware expected in May

Apple has launched many products this year, but it is unlikely that we will see anything new until at least WWDC.

There are more than 15 new Apple products expected to be released by the end of the year. Apple sometimes makes launches in May, but currently, there are no rumors suggesting new products are expected to be released.

New Apple Home products, a refreshed Apple TV 4K, and HomePod have reportedly been ready for a while, but Apple seems to be waiting for the arrival of its new Siri.

And new Mac mini, Mac Studio, and base iPads were once expected to be released in the first half of the year, but now it seems that these are also unlikely.