With two main manga adaptations, a spin-off, and plenty of light novel material still to cover, fans of The Apothecary Diaries have a wealth of content to dive into. Navigating the release schedule can be a bit tricky, but this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the manga, anime, and upcoming movie.
How Often Are New Apothecary Diaries Chapters Released?
Both ongoing mainline manga adaptations release new chapters on a monthly basis, though they are published in different magazines:
- The Apothecary Diaries – Serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Big Gangan.
- The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace – Serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Sunday Gene-X.
Both series launched in 2017 and continue to release new installments every month.
Upcoming Manga Release Schedule
- Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace (Chapter 104): August 19, 2026
- The Apothecary Diaries (Chapter 89): August 25, 2026
- Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace (Chapter 105): September 19, 2026
- The Apothecary Diaries (Chapter 90): September 25, 2026
Where to Read the Manga
- The Apothecary Diaries: You can read chapters digitally via the MangaUp app.
- Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace: There is currently no official legal way to read this version online in English. Instead, fans can collect the physical English volumes releasing soon:
What’s the Difference Between the Two Main Manga?
While both titles adapt the original novels and share a very similar overarching plot, the primary difference lies in their creative teams and artistic styles:
- The Apothecary Diaries is written by original author Hyuganatsu alongside Itsuki Nanao, with art by Nekokurage.
- Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace is entirely written and illustrated by Minoji Kurata.
The Spin-off Manga: Xiaolan’s Story
For dedicated fans looking for an extra perspective, a third manga titled The Apothecary Diaries: Xiaolan’s Story began publication in March 2025. It retells the familiar events of the main story entirely from the point of view of the supporting character Xiaolan. New chapters drop sporadically and are available on the Manga Up! app.
What’s Next for the Anime and Movie?
It is a massive year for the franchise on screen:
- Season 3: Premieres in October 2026, with the second half scheduled for April 2027.
- The Movie: Set for a December 2026 release. Plot details remain sparse, but it will feature an original story conceptualized by series creator Hyuganatsu, with Norihiro Naganuma (chief director of Season 2) returning to direct.
Will the Anime Run Out of Source Material?
Not anytime soon! While 16 volumes of the original light novels have been published so far, the anime and manga adaptations have only covered the first four volumes. That leaves plenty of untapped storylines to fuel multiple future seasons.