EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II, EOS R6 Mark III Firmware Coming in May?

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One of the hardest things to ever get advanced information on is feature firmware updates for cameras and lenses. It's like any software done correctly; it'll be released when it's done. Though, Canon hasn't always nailed the “done correctly” part.

A person that may know some things told us that they have been told to prepare for new feature updates for the EOS R1, EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R6 Mark III at some point in May 2026. This source would likely have to “prepare” for firmware updates to come.

There was no mention of what we can expect as far as features in any firmware update. There will obviously be the normal bug fixes, and there are all sorts of things EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II owners would like to see, but we're not getting any hopes up.

It's possible the new firmware could be for compatibility, or the possibility that the EOS R6 V has some new features that will extend across the EOS R line-up.

It's possible Canon will do a firmware update announcement and release the new firmware updates at a later date, as they have done in the past for EOS and most recently for Cinema EOS cameras. Again, we have no information on how the firmware updates will roll out. Maybe it'll depend on if they're “done” or not.

The World Cup is coming in June and there is an expectation that Canon is going to make some kinds of announcements prior to the tournament. We have the EOS R6 V coming on May 13, 2026, but that doesn't really fit a World Cup hype announcement.

There are lots of rumors swirling around that Canon will address their super telephoto lenses ahead of June, but we have no information that confirms that's going to happen. If they do a development announcement, we generally don't hear about those until we're within 24 hours of the official press release.

The World Cup hasn't been used for announcements in the past, we have seen it happen for the Summer Olympics, but 400mm and 600mm lenses would fit the shooting scenarios.

We hope to hear more soon in regard to new firmware and if Canon has any sort of pre-World Cup announcements.

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