Apple Seeds iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 Release Candidates

Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming a week after Apple released the fourth betas. The release candidate represents the final version of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 that will be released to the public should no bugs be found.

iOS 18
iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.

So far, iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are relatively minor updates, introducing just a few new design changes. There are more options for reverting the Mail app back to the prior design, including removing contact photos, and AppleCare info is easier to find. The update also likely has bug fixes and performance improvements that are less obvious, plus it will add new Pride wallpapers.

Apple is transitioning to iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, which are set to be previewed in June at the Worldwide Developers Conference. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 are likely to launch next week.

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

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Top Rated Comments

sw1tcher Avatar
4 hours ago at 10:28 am
Apple today seeded the release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 updates to developers and public beta testers, with the software coming a week after Apple released the fourth betas. The release candidate represents the final version of iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 that will be released to the public should no bugs be found.
As if that's prevented Apple from putting out a release.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N0ughtsAndCr0sses Avatar
3 hours ago at 10:46 am
Might as well install it

Beat the rush hour lol

Since these are the public releases anyway ??
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
podycust Avatar
2 hours ago at 11:34 am

Wow! A 7.05 GB update on an iPad Mini A17 Pro. That's not only wallpapers.
That’s standard for an rc build as you download the whole os again not just the bits that have changed!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SactoGuy18 Avatar
4 hours ago at 10:17 am
Hopefully, it'll be available by May 12 or 13, 2025.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IIGS User Avatar
1 hour ago at 12:35 pm

Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

I've looked into my crystal ball and can safely predict an RC2.

On 18.5, I have screen flickering and also screen stutter when you swipe down from the top right corner for the control panel. Stutter also in some of the menus!

Let's hope it's just my phone, and not everyone's! EEEK!?
I've had my fair share of issues with the latest 18.5. Screen issues, CarPlay issues, etc.

I'm hoping the RC is better than the one I've got now (22F5068a).

Given Apple's track record lately I'm guessing we will have another "RC" before they release a somewhat less buggy version to the general public.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)