iOS 18.5: Everything You Need to Know – Features, Release Date, and Should You Update?
Apple’s iOS 18.5 marks another incremental but meaningful update, refining performance, security, and introducing a handful of new features. Released on May 12, 2025, this update follows Apple’s mid-cycle pattern, focusing on stability rather than major overhauls ahead of iOS 19’s debut at WWDC 2025 510.
If you’re wondering whether to install iOS 18.5, what’s new, or how to get the beta, this guide covers everything—from satellite messaging for iPhone 13 to enhanced Screen Time alerts and the stunning Pride Harmony wallpaper.
iOS 18.5 Release Date and Availability
iOS 18.5 officially launched on May 12, 2025, aligning with Apple’s historical mid-May update schedule 510. The update (build 22F76) is available for all compatible iPhones, including:
- iPhone XS and newer
- iPad Pro (3rd gen and later)
- iPad Air (3rd gen and later)
- iPad (7th gen and later)
- iPad mini (5th gen and later) .
The iOS 18.5 beta cycle began in April, with beta 3 arriving on April 21, 2025, fixing Siri playback issues and enterprise app bugs 7. If you’re still on an earlier beta, switching to the stable release is recommended.
Top New Features in iOS 18.5
1. Satellite Messaging for iPhone 13
One of the standout iOS 18.5 features is carrier-based satellite messaging for iPhone 13 models. Unlike the Emergency SOS on iPhone 14+, this allows T-Mobile users to send standard messages via Starlink satellites when off-grid 45.
2. Screen Time Passcode Alerts for Parents
Parents now receive notifications when a child enters the Screen Time passcode, preventing unauthorized changes to usage limits 46. This is a major iOS 18.5 update for family device management.
3. New Pride Harmony Wallpaper
A vibrant Pride Harmony wallpaper debuts in iOS 18.5, featuring dynamic color shifts as you interact with your iPhone 49. It pairs with a matching Apple Watch face, celebrating LGBTQ+ pride.
4. Mail App Enhancements
The Mail app now lets you toggle contact photos and “Group by Sender” directly from its interface, eliminating trips to Settings .
5. Back Tap Confirmation Banner
A small but useful tweak: Back Tap (double/triple-tap gestures) now shows a banner confirming activation, reducing accidental triggers .
6. Battery Charge Limit Setting
To prolong battery health, iOS 18.5 introduces a manual charge limiter (80%-100%), alongside the existing Optimized Charging feature .
7. Enhanced Security Fixes
iOS 18.5 patches over 30 vulnerabilities, including:
- AppleJPEG (malicious media file crashes)
- Baseband (network interception risks on iPhone 16e)
- Core Bluetooth (sensitive data access) .
Should You Update to iOS 18.5?
Pros:
✅ Improved security with critical patches 1.
✅ Useful parental controls (Screen Time alerts) .
✅ Battery health options for long-term device care .
Cons:
⚠️ Minor feature set compared to major iOS updates.
⚠️ Beta instability if still testing (public release recommended) 7.
Verdict: If you value security and refinements, updating is wise. Power users may wait for iOS 19 in June.
How to Download iOS 18.5
- Stable Release: Go to Settings > General > Software Update .
- Beta Version: Enroll via Apple Developer Program or Public Beta .
- Downgrade: Requires a Mac/PC restore if reverting from beta .
Final Thoughts
While iOS 18.5 isn’t revolutionary, it polishes the iPhone experience with meaningful tweaks. The satellite messaging expansion, Screen Time alerts, and security fixes make it a worthwhile update—especially ahead of iOS 19’s impending reveal.
For those on the fence, weigh the pros and cons, but most users will benefit from installing iOS 18.5 for its enhanced stability and protection.
What’s your favorite iOS 18.5 feature? Share your thoughts below!
