iOS 18.5: Features, release date, and more

iOS 18.5 is the next software update coming for iPhone users. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new in iOS 18.5 and when it will be released. Plus, what comes next…

iOS 18.5 release date

Apple released the first beta of iOS 18.5 on April 2, followed by beta two on April 14, and beta three on April 21. When will iOS 18.5 be released to the general public? Here’s when Apple has released its iOS x.5 updates in previous years:

• iOS 17.5 – May 13, 2024
• iOS 16.5 – May 18, 2023
• iOS 15.5 – May 16, 2022
• iOS 14.5 – April 26, 2021
• iOS 13.5 – May 20, 2020

This suggests that iOS 18.5 will likely be released to everyone sometime in the third week of May.

What’s new in iOS 18.5?

If you’re hoping that iOS 18.5 will add major new features to your iPhone, I have bad news for you. Barring any surprises, iOS 18.5 is shaping up to be a small update focusing mostly on bug fixes and performance improvements.

There are, however, some changes to the Mail app in iOS 18.5 that are worth pointing out. With iOS 18.2 last year, Apple introduced a refreshed design for the Mail app with a categorization system and larger contact photos and icons. Since that release, Apple has gradually made additional changes to the Mail app in response to feedback from iPhone users. That trend continues with iOS 18.5.

In the Mail app with iOS 18.5, Apple has added a new toggle that lets you disable the new contact photos design. To find this menu, just tap the three dogs in the app’s upper-right corner, then toggle off “Show Contact Photos.” Previously, you had to go into the Settings app to make this change.

iOS 18.5 also makes the “All Mail” view in the Mail app more visible. Previously, it existed as a hidden section alongside the new Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions categories that you could access by swiping left across the list of categories. Now, it exists as a fifth tab, such that it’s more obvious it exists.

Finally, iOS 18.5 makes AppleCare information in the Settings app more prominent so you can see the warranty information for your iPhone at a glance.

Wrap up

Following iOS 18.5, Apple will begin beta testing iOS 18.6 sometime in May, which is also expected to be a minor update. What’s more exciting, however, is that the first iOS 19 beta will be released for developers in June. WWDC kicks off on June 9 with an Apple special event keynote. For more on what to expect from iOS 19, check out our full guide here.