Apple Says iOS 18.5 Coming Soon, Here is What's New

In its press release for the new Pride Band today, Apple said that iOS 18.5 is "upcoming," following more than a month of beta testing.

iOS 18
We expect the iOS 18.5 Release Candidate to be released this week, and this should be the final beta version, barring any last-minute bugs or changes. The software update should then be released to the general public next week.

iOS 18.5 is a relatively minor update for the iPhone, with only a few additions discovered so far. Below, we recap all of the known changes.

Specifically, there are a few changes in the Mail and Settings apps. The update will also include a new Pride wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad.

Mail

In the Mail app, you can now easily turn off contact photos directly within the app, by tapping on the circle with three dots in the top-right corner.

mail categories ios 18 5
This was already an option on earlier iOS versions, but it was buried in the Settings app.

Settings

In the Settings app, AppleCare+ coverage information is more prominent.

applecare logo ios 18 5

Pride

Apple today announced its 2025 Pride Collection, including a new Apple Watch band, watch face, and a matching wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad.

The new Pride Edition Sport Band has rainbow stripes that vary in shape and size, and it is available to order on Apple.com starting today.

Apple Watch 2025 Pride Feature
Apple said a matching iPhone and iPad wallpaper will be available when iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are released to the public. The wallpaper features colorful stripes that change position as users move, lock, or unlock their devices.

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Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18
Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

UpsetTheAppleCart Avatar
2 weeks ago
Hey Apple, can we have a Humility wallpaper, pretty please?
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
2 weeks ago

Hey Apple, Entire 18 has been a boring waiting game for us foreigners. Push 19 now!
iOS 18 has been a snoozefest for everyone. The only interesting addition was being was being to place icons anywhere.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macmyworld Avatar
2 weeks ago
iOS release to get new wallpaper. Insane.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HailstormX Avatar
2 weeks ago
Here is hoping iOS 19 will deliver all the promises that 18 was supposed to have. Was thinking 18.5 was gonna be a major release.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Black Belt Avatar
2 weeks ago
Instead of Pride designs how about fixing Apple Intelligence and Siri this century
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
doelcm82 Avatar
2 weeks ago

Hey Apple, can we have a Humility wallpaper, pretty please?
For the "humbler than thou" crowd to show off.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)