Apple should publish the iOS 18.5 update next week, focusing on user experience improvements, bug corrections and new features. The company recently made its debut on the candidate version (RC) of iOS 18.5 on May 6, 2025, and it should be deployed to all users around May 14, 2025.
The iOS 18.5 update provides several notable modifications, including a new “Pride Harmony” wallpaper that aligns the Apple Watch group this year. This vibrating wallpaper has daring scratches that move when users move their devices, continuing Apple’s tradition to celebrate the month of pride thanks to its software updates.
One of the significant improvements in RC iOS 18.5 is the updated messaging application, which now allows users to easily manage contact photos. Previously, users had to navigate the Settings app to deactivate contact photos in the mail, but the new update simplifies this process. Users can now switch to the “Show contact photos” option directly in the mail application, improving the overall user experience.
In addition, the iOS 18.5 update has a new parental alert function. This function alerts the parents if a child tries to bypass the password of the screen time, offering an additional layer of security for families. This improvement reflects Apple’s continuous commitment to child safety and parents’ control.
In the Settings application, users will notice a redesigned Applecare Information section, which now includes a banner with the Applecare logo and the details of the coverage. This modification aims to facilitate access to users to more easily access important information on their Applecare plans.
While the iOS 18.5 RC provides these improvements, certain expected features have been delayed. In particular, the SIRI disk raising awareness function has been postponed indefinitely, which means that users will not see new AI features in this update.
According to previous iOS outings, Apple has added several new languages, notably Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese Brazilian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and English located for Singapore and India. In addition, the update includes improvements in the image game image with the introduction of the sketch style, alongside existing animation and illustration options.
The Genmoji icon on the keyboard has also been updated, now simply qualified as “Genmoji”. In addition, the Visual Intelligence feature has been integrated into the Action button for users of the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16th, allowing them to take advantage of advanced features.
Apple has also made technical improvements in the update. Diffusion extensions now have a higher memory limit limit, allowing better quality content capture and streaming, provided that system resources allow it. Security fixes have also been implemented, solving problems where certain business applications may not be properly launched on iOS 18 or later.
One of the main fixes included in iOS 18.5 tackles a problem where the Apple Vision Pro application would launch with a black screen if it is downloaded on the IOS 18.4 Beta 1. Users encountering this problem can go to iOS 18.4 BETA 2 or more recent to resolve it.
In addition, the update supports the satellite features provided by operators on all iPhone 13 models, although this service differs from satellite connectivity powered by Globalstar available on new iPhone models. This feature is part of Apple’s efforts to improve connectivity options for users.
As for the Apple TV application, the update simplifies purchases on third -party devices, allowing users to buy content using their iPhones transparently. This change should rationalize the user experience when accessing content on different platforms.
Despite these improvements, the iOS 18.5 RC does not introduce any new major feature, because Apple seems to focus on refining existing features before the announcement of iOS 19. The company should present larger updates during its global conference for developers (WWDC) in June.
For those who wish to try the RC iOS 18.5, it is advisable to install it on a secondary device rather than the primary, because the RC can contain insects and may affect the life of the battery. Users can expect adjustments before the final version is deployed to the public.
In summary, the iOS 18.5 update promises to be a significant improvement for iPhone users, focusing on improving user experience, safety and accessibility. With the RC release, Apple is getting closer to the final version, which should be available for all users next week.
