Apple releases iOS 18.5 Beta: What's new
The update is available as a developer beta, and compatible devices that have already received iOS 18.4, including the iPhone 13 series and later, iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), and various iPad models, are eligible to install the iOS 18.5 beta.
Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.5 (Beta), marking the first developer beta of what is likely to be the final update in the iOS 18 series before the highly anticipated iOS 19 is expected to launch in June.
While iOS 18.4, which debuted in March 2025, was a major release with a host of new features and enhancements, iOS 18.5 is a smaller update, focused largely on refinements and bug fixes that aim to enhance the user experience.
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These changes touch on both the Mail app and AppleCare settings, while also addressing a few technical issues that have affected the stability of some features.
Mail App changes
The updates in iOS 18.5 are primarily designed to simplify and streamline common tasks. One of the most noticeable changes comes to the built-in Mail app. In this release, Apple has made it easier for users to customise their Mail app preferences directly from the inbox view.
Previously, toggling certain settings, like the visibility of contact photos or the "Group by Sender" view, required navigating deep into the Settings app.
With iOS 18.5, however, users can now access these options with just a tap of the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the screen. This change not only reduces the number of steps required to adjust preferences but also enhances the overall usability of the app, making it much more intuitive.
Apple Care and Warranty changes
IOS 18.5 also introduces a series of improvements to the AppleCare and Warranty management section of the Settings app. Users who need to access AppleCare details will now find a new banner prominently displaying the AppleCare logo.
This banner links directly to the AppleCare webpage on Apple’s site, allowing for quick and easy access to relevant coverage information.
For those who have an active AppleCare subscription, a new "Manage Plan" option has been added to the device list in the Apple account section, providing instant access to subscription management features. This is particularly useful for those with renewing AppleCare plans, as it allows users to stay on top of their coverage and make changes as needed.
Bug fixes
One of the key fixes resolves an issue that affected the Apple Vision Pro app, which, in previous beta versions, had displayed a black screen when downloaded from the App Store.
With this issue now resolved, users can expect smoother functionality for the Vision Pro headset. Additionally, the update includes improvements to writing tools and fixes for Store Kit, contributing to a more stable and polished experience for developers and end-users alike.
iOS 18.4 updates
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iOS 18.5 comes just a few months after the release of iOS 18.4, a major update that brought several significant new features to iPhones and iPads.
Notable among these was the introduction of Priority Notifications, which use AI to prioritise important messages and filter out less urgent notifications.
The update also introduced ambient music modes in the Control Center, allowing users to select curated playlists for activities like relaxation, focus, and sleep. Moreover, iOS 18.4 improved integration with Matter-enabled smart home devices, making it easier for users to control their smart home gadgets directly from their iPhones and iPads.
The update also introduced a companion app for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, marking an expansion of Apple’s ecosystem.
Now, with the release of iOS 18.5, Apple is closing out its iOS 18 series and preparing for the inevitable transition to iOS 19.
As the final update in the iOS 18 cycle, iOS 18.5 continues Apple’s tradition of refining and polishing its software. Although it may not be as feature-rich as iOS 18.4, it offers valuable tweaks that will improve usability for many users. The focus on simplifying everyday tasks, particularly within the Mail app and AppleCare settings, is a clear sign that Apple is listening to user feedback and working to enhance the overall user experience.
The update is available as a developer beta, and compatible devices that have already received iOS 18.4, including the iPhone 13 series and later, iPhone SE (2nd generation and later), and various iPad models, are eligible to install the iOS 18.5 beta. With iOS 18.5, Apple is providing a cleaner, more user-friendly interface while also addressing technical issues that might have previously frustrated users.
For those with compatible devices, iOS 18.5 beta can be downloaded today, and users can look forward to further refinements in the coming months.
As we move closer to the release of iOS 19, it is clear that Apple’s focus remains on delivering stability, usability, and a refined user experience, ensuring that users have the tools and features they need to make the most of their devices.
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