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 Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

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Top Rated Comments

sw1tcher Avatar
10 months ago
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: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N0ughtsAndCr0sses Avatar
10 months ago
Might as well install it

Beat the rush hour lol

Since these are the public releases anyway ??
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goonie4life9 Avatar
10 months ago
Wow, this is the BEST, MOST POWERFUL version of iOS 18.5 that Apple has ever released for iOS. iOS 18.5 truly is the OS for pros!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Silberbogen Avatar
10 months ago

I always do an up volume, down volume, press and hold side button until the reboot Apple comes up (I think that's called a hard reset, but I have a cold today and didn't sleep well last night), and then an iCloud back, before every iOS and iPadOS update. And if any little things pop up like you experienced, I do the same procedure.

I know it's likely voodoo, but I've only had one issue with an iPhone or iPad update in many years, though it was caused by a beta passing its expiration date before the next update came out. Apple released an update within 6 hours of it affecting my phone.

good luck!
Your key combination no longer worked under this bug in iPadOS 18.5 Beta 3. And that was still at the beginning of the psychedelic trip the iPad was in, after that it got worse, much worse, because it tried to display the image in all four directions at the same time, it randomly enlarged image sections, and much more.

The only way out was a hard reset via a cable and a MacBook.



It was reported to Apple at the time as FB17315325. Feel lucky not to have been one of those who had a real headache with iPadOS 18.5!

Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Dog Bone Malone Avatar
10 months ago

Good to know.
Have you been reporting these issues in feedback?
Of course.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gluckett Avatar
10 months ago

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.
But that new wallpaper will be rock solid ?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)