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| Don't expect many new features in iOS 18.5 |
The latest iOS 18.5 update, set to be released to the public around May 13, 2025, has been seeded to developers and public beta testers as a release candidate on May 6, 2025. Positioned as a minor yet impactful update, iOS 18.5 is designed to refine the iPhone experience through targeted improvements, bug fixes, and a few new features. Below, a comprehensive overview of what has been introduced in this update is provided, with insights into its performance, regional enhancements, and connectivity advancements.
Release Timeline and Beta Journey
The development of iOS 18.5 has followed a steady cadence, with beta testing commencing on April 2, 2025. Subsequent betas were released on April 14, April 21, and April 28, culminating in the release candidate on May 6. The public launch is anticipated within a week of the RC, aligning with Apple’s historical pattern of mid-May releases for x.5 updates, such as iOS 17.5 on May 13, 2024. This timeline suggests a stable and predictable rollout, with no significant delays reported.
Key Features and Enhancements
While iOS 18.5 is not positioned as a feature-heavy update, several practical refinements have been introduced to enhance usability and accessibility.
Mail App Improvements
The Mail app, redesigned in iOS 18.2, has been further refined in iOS 18.5. A toggle to disable contact photos has been added, accessible directly from the three-dot menu in the app’s interface. This change addresses user feedback regarding the cluttered appearance caused by larger contact photos. Additionally, the “All Mail” view has been made more prominent, appearing as a fifth tab alongside the categorized Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions tabs. This adjustment ensures easier access to a unified inbox, streamlining the email experience.
Settings App: AppleCare+ Visibility
In the Settings app, the AppleCare and Warranty section under General has been updated with a prominent banner featuring the AppleCare logo. A “Learn More” option has been included, making warranty and coverage details more accessible to users. This subtle enhancement improves the visibility of critical device support information.
Pride 2025 Wallpaper and Additional Visuals
A dynamic, animated Pride 2025 wallpaper has been introduced, complementing the Apple Watch Pride Collection band. Beta code also hints at two additional wallpapers, described as featuring “dark and light dots” in a graphite contoured design and “crystalline bubbles” refracting light. These visual additions, while minor, offer users fresh customization options.
Parental Controls for Enhanced Oversight
Screen Time has been updated with improved parental controls. Notifications are now sent to parents when a child attempts to bypass or reset a passcode, providing greater oversight and security for family-managed devices.
Apple TV App Expansion
The Apple TV app has been enhanced to allow content purchases on third-party devices, broadening its accessibility. This change ensures a more seamless experience for users accessing Apple’s media ecosystem outside the iPhone.
Potential Apple Intelligence in China
Speculation surrounds the possible introduction of Apple Intelligence in China, a market where AI features like Genmoji and Image Playground are currently unavailable. Reports suggest Apple is targeting a May 2025 launch, which could align with iOS 18.5. If implemented, this would be a significant step to bolster iPhone sales in China, where the absence of AI capabilities has been cited as a competitive disadvantage. However, the release candidate notes do not confirm this feature, leaving its inclusion uncertain.
Performance and Stability
The performance of iOS 18.5 has been reported as robust, with beta testers noting smoother animations, faster app launches, and no major crashes. Battery life remains consistent with iOS 18.4, with slight improvements attributed to reduced background logging, which minimizes resource consumption. Cellular connectivity has also been enhanced, with carrier updates and standalone 5G support for Airtel users in India, alongside RCS support for Jio.
Bug Fixes and Known Issues
A range of under-the-hood bug fixes and security updates have been included, though specific details are not outlined in Apple’s release notes beyond “enhancements and bug fixes.” Notable issues addressed include app launch delays, particularly for Apple Vision Pro apps, and improved accuracy in Apple Intelligence writing tools. However, intermittent issues with Siri failing to play Apple Music persist, with a full resolution expected in a future update. iOS 18.5 also builds on iOS 18.4.1’s fixes for CarPlay connectivity, though no specific CarPlay improvements are highlighted in the release candidate.
Carrier Satellite Services: T-Mobile Starlink Integration
A significant connectivity advancement in iOS 18.5 is the expansion of carrier-provided satellite services, notably T-Mobile’s Starlink integration, to iPhone 13 models. Initially introduced for iPhone 14 and later in iOS 18.3, this feature allows texting in areas without cellular coverage using Starlink satellites. Unlike Apple’s Emergency SOS via Globalstar, which requires pointing the phone at the sky, T-Mobile’s service is more user-friendly and does not rely on specialized hardware.
Currently available to U.S. T-Mobile customers in the Starlink beta, the service is free during testing, with sign-up available via T-Mobile’s website. iPhone 13 users can also access Globalstar-based texting if enrolled in the beta. A toggle in Settings > Cellular > Carrier enables or disables satellite connectivity. T-Mobile plans to extend voice and data services by July 2025, further enhancing this feature’s utility.
Beta Testing Feedback and User Sentiment
Feedback from beta testers and posts on platforms like X indicate that iOS 18.5 is perceived as a stable and lightweight update. Testers have praised its performance improvements and practical refinements, such as the Mail app tweaks, though some consider the changes “oddly specific” and less ambitious than iOS 18.4’s broader additions. The update’s focus on stability has been welcomed, particularly as Apple prepares for iOS 19, set to be unveiled at WWDC 2025 on June 9.
Users are advised to back up their devices before installing iOS 18.5, as minor bugs may persist in the release candidate. The Feedback app remains available for reporting issues, ensuring Apple can address any lingering concerns before the public launch.
Looking Ahead: iOS 18.5 in Context
As a bridge to iOS 19, iOS 18.5 plays a critical role in refining the iOS 18 experience. Its modest scope reflects Apple’s shift in focus toward the next major operating system, with an iOS 18.6 beta expected shortly after the public release. For users, iOS 18.5 offers a stable and polished update, recommended for those on iOS 18.4 or earlier due to its performance enhancements, Mail app improvements, and expanded connectivity options.
The potential introduction of Apple Intelligence in China, if realized, could mark a pivotal moment for Apple’s global strategy. Meanwhile, the expansion of satellite services underscores Apple’s commitment to connectivity innovation, particularly in remote areas.
Conclusion
With its blend of practical refinements, performance optimizations, and forward-looking connectivity features, iOS 18.5 is poised to deliver a subtle yet meaningful update for iPhone users. As the public release approaches, anticipation builds for a stable and user-friendly experience that sets the stage for Apple’s next chapter in mobile innovation.
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