Apple Unveils iOS 18.5: Highlights of the Final Significant Update for iOS 18
After a month of beta trials, Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.5 — a relatively small yet crucial update to the iPhone operating system. Likely the last significant update ahead of the iOS 19 reveal at WWDC in June, iOS 18.5 zeroes in on enhancing the user experience, addressing bugs, and incorporating a few subtle but impactful modifications.
Here’s everything essential about the new features in iOS 18.5.
Resolution for the Mail App’s Most Frustrating Change
A standout enhancement in iOS 18.5 is a fix for the Mail app that responds to a long-standing issue voiced by users: the management of Contact Photos. Previously, turning off Contact Photos in Mail necessitated diving deep into the Settings app. With iOS 18.5, Apple has simplified this by integrating a toggle right within the Mail app’s interface, enabling users to swiftly activate or deactivate Contact Photos with just a tap.
This minor yet appreciated change boosts usability and showcases Apple’s attentiveness to user input.
Updated AppleCare Banner in Settings
Apple has revamped the AppleCare section within the Settings app. Users will now notice a more prominent banner that features the AppleCare logo along with comprehensive details about their device’s coverage. This enhancement simplifies the process for users to comprehend their warranty status and access support options.
New Pride Wallpaper
In honor of Pride Month, iOS 18.5 debuts a new Pride-themed wallpaper. Apple characterizes it as a homage to the “strength and beauty of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.” This inclusion continues Apple’s legacy of championing diversity and inclusion through its software and product design.
Additional Features and Refinements
Though iOS 18.5 doesn’t roll out any revolutionary features, it includes several beneficial enhancements and fixes:
– Screen Time Notifications for Parents: Parents will now receive alerts whenever the Screen Time passcode is utilized on a child’s device. This update provides greater transparency and control for families utilizing Apple’s parental controls.
– Buy with iPhone on Apple TV App: Users can now leverage the “Buy with iPhone” feature to purchase content within the Apple TV app, even when on a third-party device. This broadens the convenience of Apple’s ecosystem across additional platforms.
– Apple Vision Pro Repair: The update rectifies an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app might show a black screen, boosting the reliability of Apple’s mixed-reality experience.
– Satellite Support for iPhone 13: iOS 18.5 introduces support for carrier-provided satellite capabilities to all iPhone 13 models, enhancing emergency communication for a larger user base.
Absence of New Apple Intelligence Features
Interestingly, iOS 18.5 is the first update in the iOS 18 series that lacks new Apple Intelligence features. This indicates that Apple may be holding its upcoming set of AI-driven enhancements for the iOS 19 preview, anticipated to be revealed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.
Companion Updates Across Apple’s Ecosystem
In conjunction with iOS 18.5, Apple has also launched updates for its other platforms:
– iPadOS 18.5
– watchOS 11.5
– macOS 15.5
– visionOS 2.5
– tvOS 18.5
These updates bring similar optimizations, bug fixes, and security enhancements to Apple’s wider range of devices.
Closing Thoughts
While iOS 18.5 might not be filled with eye-catching new features, it offers significant quality-of-life improvements and addresses many common user grievances. As Apple turns its attention to iOS 19 and the future of Apple Intelligence, iOS 18.5 stands as a refined and stable wrap-up to the iOS 18 experience.
Users can download iOS 18.5 now by going to Settings > General > Software Update on their iPhone. As always, it’s advisable to back up your device prior to installing any major update.
