Apple released iOS 18.4 to all users a couple weeks ago, but didn’t have a public version of the iOS 18.5 developer beta. Now, however, a new public beta cycle has officially kicked off: iOS 18.5 public beta 1 is now available. Here’s what’s new.
Under-the-hood changes and Apple Mail tweak are focus of iOS 18.5
iOS 18.5, at least so far, doesn’t look like an especially noteworthy update for iPhone users.
We could very well see more changes in future betas, but so far there are only a couple minor updates.
Apple Mail got a big redesign in iOS 18.2, and while you’ve always been able to disable certain aspects of that overhaul, now in iOS 18.5 that’s getting a little easier to do.
Several Mail changes can be tweaked using the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the app. This includes disabling categories, AI priority messages, and grouping by sender.
But one key visual change—the addition of contact photos to your inbox—was previously absent.
Now, there’s a new option in that menu in iOS 18.5: ‘Show Contact Photos.’
Disabling this lets you get your inbox closer to its old look. Previously, the option was only available in the Settings app.
iOS 18.5 also makes some visual enhancements to the AppleCare & Warranty screen in the Settings app, including providing links to get support on Apple’s website.
Otherwise, so far the iOS 18.5 public beta is all about under-the-hood changes.
As a result, it’s may not be worth installing since you could encounter new bugs and performance issues this early in the beta cycle.
Did you install the iOS 18.5 beta, and if so, how is it running for you? Let us know in the comments.
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