Explore iOS 18.5 brings Mail app upgrades, Pride wallpaper & iPhone 13 satellite support. Learn how to update your iPhone now!
iOS 18.5 Released: Key Features and How to Update
Apple’s recent iPhone update, iOS 18.5, was released on May 12, 2025, and includes a few minor but significant improvements. If you’re wondering what’s new or whether you should update your iPhone, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about iOS 18.5. From smart mail tools to a vibrant Pride wallpaper, let’s take a look at why this update is significant.
What is iOS 18.5 all about?
As the final major update in the iOS 18 cycle, iOS 18.5 focuses on improving the iPhone experience. After a month of beta testing, it prioritizes bug fixes, security enhancements, and user-friendliness improvements. With iOS 19 on the horizon (previewing at WWDC 2025), this update ensures that your iPhone runs smoothly until the next big leap. It’s a must-have for keeping your iPhone secure and efficient, and it works with models ranging from the iPhone Xs to the iPhone 16 series.
Top Features of iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5 does not completely change your iPhone, but rather makes thoughtful changes to improve daily use. Here are some highlights:
- Smarter Mail App: Are you tired of cluttered emails? With iOS 18.5, you can toggle contact photos in the Mail app by tapping the three-dot menu. Plus, the “All Mail” view is now a visible tab, allowing you to see all of your emails without having to swipe through categories like Promotions or Updates.
- Pride Harmony Wallpaper: Celebrate Pride Month with this vibrant, dynamic wallpaper that changes as you move your iPhone. It’s a bright addition to your lock or home screen.
- Apple Care Made Simple: A new AppleCare banner in Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty displays your coverage details, whether you have AppleCare Plus or not.
- Improved Parental Controls: Parents can now receive alerts when a Screen Time passcode is entered on a child’s device, ensuring that children do not bypass restrictions unnoticed.
- iPhone 13 Satellite Support: iPhone 13 users can now send messages via satellite in areas without cell service, thanks to carrier plans such as T Mobile’s Starlink beta (free until July 2025).
- Apple TV App Upgrade: Rent or purchase content directly from the Apple TV app on smart TVs or streaming devices, making entertainment more convenient.
Bug fixes and security enhancements
iOS 18.5 addresses pesky issues to keep your iPhone running smoothly. It corrects CarPlay connection issues, eliminates microstutters in Apple Music, and addresses a black screen bug in the Apple Vision Pro app. More importantly, it includes critical security patches that will protect your data.
Performance and Battery Life
Whether you’re using a new iPhone 16 Pro Max or an older iPhone XR, New 18.5 provides fast performance. Apps load quickly, animations remain fluid, and navigation is seamless. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also has a long battery life, lasting 12 to 15 hours on screen. Older models, such as the iPhone 13, experience no significant battery drain due to optimized background processes. This update ensures that your iPhone operates efficiently and without surprises.
How to Update to iOS 18.5
Are you ready to get iOS 18.5? Take these simple steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Updates.
- Look for iOS (approximately 1.58 GB).
- Connect to Wi-Fi and make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery or is plugged in.
- Tap Download and Install, then follow the prompts.
- Compatible devices include the iPhone XS, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations), and all subsequent models. To ensure safety, back up your iPhone to iCloud or a computer first.
Why Upgrade to iOS 18.5?
The upgrade to iOS 18.5 is a no-brainer. The security patches alone are worth it; they protect your iPhone from vulnerabilities. Mail app upgrades and parental controls add convenience, while bug fixes improve the overall experience. Some users may wait for iOS 19’s more significant changes, but beta testing revealed no major issues with iOS 18.5, so there’s little reason to wait. It’s a quick way to keep your iPhone operational and up to date.
What Is Next for iOS?
18.5 opens the way for Apple’s future. With WWDC 2025 (June 9) approaching, iOS 19 is likely to include bolder features, such as Stage Manager for iPhones or advanced Apple Intelligence tools. Apple may also release iOS 18.6 or 18.7 later in 2025 with minor updates. For the time being, iOS 18.5 keeps your iPhone in excellent working order.
Conclusion,
iOS 18.5 may not have many flashy features, but it is a critical update that improves your iPhone’s security, stability, and usability. From the streamlined Mail app to the inclusive Pride Harmony wallpaper, it makes small but significant improvements. There’s no reason to skip this update because it’s simple to install and works with almost everything. Update your iPhone today to keep it running smoothly. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple’s software roadmap progresses.
