Welcome to our monthly Apple News Roundup where we recap the top 10 most significant Apple news announcements from each month, giving you a glance at all the headlines you need to know. This edition features the highlights from May 2023.
1. Apple Arcade introduces 20 new games
Apple announced 20 new titles on Apple Arcade, the company’s game subscription service. The new game titles include WHAT THE CAR?, Disney SpellStruck, and Cityscapes: Sim Builder, to name a few. Apple Arcade debuted in 2019, and since then, users have experienced gaming with no ads, no in-app purchases, and strong user privacy protections. The games can be played across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV—available in one all-inclusive subscription for up to six family members.
2. Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro come to iPad
On May 9, Apple unveiled Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro for iPad. The addition of these pro apps delivers the ultimate mobile studio for video and music creation. Final Cut Pro allows video creators to record, edit, finish, and share from one portable device. Logic Pro is designed for music creation and comes with tools for songwriting, recording, editing, mixing, and more. Both apps are available on the App Store for $4.99 per month or $49 per year with a one-month free trial.
You can read our full review of Final Cut Pro for iPad right here at our Mission Control blog.
3. Apple makes a multibillion-dollar agreement with Broadcom
Apple announced a partnership with Broadcom to develop and build 5G radio frequency components in the US. As a leading US technology and manufacturing company, Broadcom has been a long-time supplier of iPhone components for Apple. The investment was made as a part of the company’s announcement to invest $430 billion in the US economy over five years. Apple says that the partnership will allow Broadcom to “continue to invest in critical automation projects and upskilling with technicians and engineers.” “We’re thrilled to make commitments that harness the ingenuity, creativity, and innovative spirit of American manufacturing,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
4. Apple introduces new features for cognitive accessibility
On May 16, Apple previewed new software features for cognitive, vision, hearing, and mobility accessibility—along with tools for nonspeaking individuals or those at risk of losing their ability to speak. Additional features, including Assistive Access, Live Speech, and more, will arrive later this year. The company works in collaboration with community groups that represent a wide range of users with disabilities—to create accessibility features that will make an impact on people’s lives.
5. iOS 16.5 becomes available for download
Apple’s iOS 16.5 update is now available to iPhone owners. This latest update features a new sports section in Apple News and a new way to celebrate Pride Month in June. Additionally, there are new notifications for web apps on the home screen and a new accessibility setting—allowing users to automatically dim video when they detect flashes of light or strobe effects. There are also several new security updates, as with previous iOS updates. Users can install iOS 16.5 by going to Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhone, then clicking Download and Install.
6. Apple launches new concert discovery features
On May 16, Apple launched new concert discovery features on Apple Maps and Apple Music. These new features give music fans and artists more ways to connect. Apple Music offers the ultimate listening experience and Apple Maps offers more than 40 Guides—highlighting the best venues to enjoy live music around the world. Apple Music Guides are available in featured cities around the world and available at apple.co/MusicVenues.
7. Apple introduces a new Pride Edition Sport Band
Apple introduced a new Pride Edition Sport Band for Apple Watch—celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The watch band is accompanied by a matching watch face and iOS wallpaper. Apple aims to support and bring awareness to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations that are working to bring about positive change. No two bands are alike, which reflects the individuality of all members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Edition Sport Band is available on apple.com, in the Apple Store App, and at Apple Store locations for $49.
8. Apple Fitness+ features Madonna in its new Artist Spotlight
Also in celebration of Pride, Apple Fitness+ introduced a new Artist Spotlight featuring Madonna. The series will include new workouts and meditations shining a light on the LGBTQ+ community, alongside music from longtime social activist and ally Madonna. The new workout types will be available on June 5 and will include HIIT, Rowing, Cycling, Core, Treadmill, Strength, Dance, and Yoga.
9. Apple announces WWDC23 schedule
On May 23, Apple unveiled the lineup for WWDC23, its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The event, which is free for developers, will be taking place in an online format from June 5 through 9. Both developers and students will have an opportunity to celebrate in person at Apple Park on opening day.
The lineup will include an Apple Keynote, Platforms State of the Union, the Apple Design Awards, and Access to Experts. During the June 5th keynote, Apple is expected to unveil new Macs and its mixed reality headset. Here’s our WWDC23 wish list.
10. Apple announces its second-quarter results
Apple announced its financial results for the second quarter of its fiscal 2023, which ended April 1. The company reported that quarterly revenue was down $94.8 billion, down 3 percent year over year. However, Services revenue reached an all-time high and iPhone revenue set a quarterly record in March despite a challenging environment. “We continue to invest for the long term and lead with our values, including making major progress toward building carbon-neutral products and supply chains by 2030,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
