Apple just released iOS 18.5. It’s not a huge update, but it still brings some useful changes, fixes some bugs. It also adds a few new things to enjoy. This update also gets things ready for iOS 26, which is coming later in 2025. Here’s a quick look at what’s new in iOS 18.5, when it came out, and which devices can use it.
Also read: How To Use Check In On iPhone With iOS 17?
When Will iOS 18.5 Release?
Apple released iOS 18.5 to everyone on May 12, 2025. It did that after testing it for over a month with developers and public testers. The update came out worldwide and is free to download. If you want to install it:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone and follow the steps.
Now that WWDC 2025 (June 9–13) is over, Apple is focusing on iOS 26. It comes with a new name style and a fresh “Liquid Glass” design. But if you’re not ready to try the iOS 26 beta yet, iOS 18.5 is a solid and reliable update you can stick with.
Also Read: 10 iPhone 15 New Features We Bet You Did Not Know!
What Are You Getting With iOS 18.5 Update?
The iOS 18.5 focuses on stability, security, and user-friendly additions. Here’s what’s included:
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Pride Harmony Wallpaper | A dynamic rainbow wallpaper celebrating Pride Month, complementing the 2025 Pride Apple Watch band and face. |
| Screen Time Alerts | Notifies parents if their child bypasses Screen Time restrictions with a passcode. Parental controls improve with this. |
| Satellite Texting (iPhone 13) | Enables iPhone 13 to send texts via satellite through carriers (e.g., T-Mobile Starlink) without signal or Wi-Fi. iPhone 14+ supports Apple’s satellite service. |
| Mail App Customisations | New options to organise and prioritise emails, improving the user experience in the Mail app. |
| AppleCare Access | Streamlined in-settings access to AppleCare services for easier support and repairs. |
| Performance & Security | Includes over 30 security patches, bug fixes, improved CarPlay/AirDrop performance, and up to 12 to 15 hours of battery life on devices like iPhone 16 Pro Max. |
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Devices Expected To Receive iOS 18.5 Update
The iOS 18.5 will roll out to all iPhones that support iOS 18. If your device is running iOS 18.4, you are good to go! Here is the full list of compatible iPhones:
| Apple Device Model |
|---|
| Apple iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max |
| Apple iPhone XS, XS Max |
| Apple iPhone XR |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd gen and later) |
Apple Intelligence features, like Genmoji or Image Playground, are only available on the iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 series. If you have an older model, you will still get the other iOS 18.5 goodies.
Also read: Apple iPhone 16 Vs iPhone 15: Expected Features And Upgrades!
The iPadOS 18.5 brings similar updates to supported iPads, including the Pride Harmony wallpaper and performance improvements. Compatible iPads include:
| Apple Device Model |
|---|
| iPad Pro (2018 and later) |
| iPad Air (3rd gen and later) |
| iPad (6th gen and later) |
| iPad mini (5th gen and later) |
Other than iOS 18.5 for iPhones, iPadOS 18.5 and WatchOS 11.5, the updates are also coming in their products in the form of macOS Sequoia 15.5 (for Macs), tvOS 18.5, HomePodOS 18.5, and VisionOS 2.5 (for Apple TV, HomePod, and Vision Pro, respectively).
Apple iOS 18.5 Vs Apple iOS 18.4
The iOS 18.4 prioritised Apple Intelligence and performance. On the other hand, iOS 18.5 focuses on stability. It adds practical tools like Mail customisations and easier AppleCare access.
Now that we have most of the details on ios 18.5, let’s compare it with its predecessor, ios 18.4. The differences in release dates, features, and improvements will help you get the best idea of the new update.
| Aspect | iOS 18.4 | iOS 18.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | March 31, 2025 | May 12, 2025 |
| Features | – More Apple Intelligence (Genmoji, Image Playground) – New emoji – Better Siri – Bug fixes | – Pride wallpaper – Parental Screen Time alerts – Satellite texting for iPhone 13 – 30+ security patches |
| Improvements | Focus on AI and speed | Focus on stability, parental tools, and connection features |
| Missing Features | No big design changes | No Siri screen awareness, no new AI regions |
| Apple Intelligence | iPhone 15 Pro/Max, iPhone 16 series; more regions added | Same devices; no new regions |
| Download Size | About 1.5 GB for newer iPhones | About 1 GB for newer iPhones |
| Other Updates | iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, watchOS 11.4, etc. | iPadOS 18.5, macOS 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5, visionOS 2.5 |
Also Read: iPhone 16 All New Features and Upgrades!
It is clear from the table that iOS 18.4 was more about expanding Apple Intelligence and fixing bugs from iOS 18.3. The iOS 18.5 brings practical inclusions like mail app customisations, easier AppleCare access, and CarPlay/AirDrop performance and so on. It is supposedly more stable and lightweight.
Key Takeaway
iOS 18.5 might not be a big, flashy update, but it’s a really good and important one. It makes my iPhone feel more stable, secure, and easy to use. I really like the new Pride Harmony wallpaper. Plus, you get more parental controls and new Mail app features. If you’re still using iOS 18.4 or older, I think it’s worth updating.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Also check: Is iPhone 16 Worth Buying? Should You Buy Now Or Wait For A Sale?
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