Read the official iOS 18.5 release notes from Apple to learn about the new features, bug fixes and security patches in this iPhone update.
Apple has launched release candidates of iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5 ahead of their arrival next week.
To download and install an over-the-air iOS 18.5 update, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Your iPhone may restart on its own during the update process.
What’s new in iOS 18.5?
There are no new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.5 because this is a minor release with just a handful of improvements. In a few weeks’ time, Apple will preview the biggest new features and enhancements coming to its platforms this fall.
Pride Harmony wallpaper
iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 bring a new Pride Harmony wallpaper as part of Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection, featuring cool color transitions as you move, lock or unlock your iPhone or iPad.
To apply it, go to Settings > Wallpaper, touch the “Add New Wallpaper” option, scroll to the “Pride” section and find it there. The collection also includes an animated watch face available with watchOS 11.5.
Screen Time passcode notification
There’s also a new feature for parents using the Family Sharing feature: a new Screen Time passcode notification. If your child has been bypassing the Screen Time limits you imposed on them, iOS 18.5 will fix that. Whenever your child has entered the Screen Time passcode on their decide, the family organizer (you) will receive a push notification on their device. The same notification also appears on the iPad and Mac powered by iPadOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5.
Buy with iPhone in the TV app
Purchasing content in Apple’s TV app on smart TVs, gaming consoles and other compatible third-party devices is now much easier, thanks to a Buy with iPhone notification that automatically pops up on your phone. The feature is similar to the prompt for entering passwords in Apple TV apps using an iPhone.
Carrier-provided satellite connectivity on iPhone 13
Last but not least, iOS 18.5 brings support for satellite connectivity enabled by wireless carriers to all models in the iPhone 13 series. Don’t confuse this with the ability to directly connect to satellites in case of emergency (iPhone 14 and later).
Instead, iOS 18.5 brings compatibility for carrier-based satellite service, like T-Mobile in the United States, which offers Starlink’s direct-to-cell service when Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are unavailable. For further information on how carrier-provided satellite connectivity works on the iPhone, read Apple’s support page.
iOS 18.5 release notes
The iOS 18.5 changelog is available on Apple’s website and the Software Update interface on your device. We’ve pasted the full iOS 18.5 release notes below.
This update introduces a new Pride Harmony wallpaper for the Lock Screen, and other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone
This update also includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:
● A new Pride Harmony wallpaper
● Parents now receive a notification when the Screen Time passcode is used on a child’s device
● Buy with iPhone is available when purchasing content within the Apple TV app on a 3rd party device
● Fixes an issue where the Apple Vision Pro app may display a black screen
● Support for carrier-provided satellite features is available on iPhone 13 (all models).
Visit Apple’s security page for information about the security content of iOS 18.5w, including bug fixes and patches for critical vulnerabilities.
iOS 19 could bring a major revamp
Apple will preview the new features coming this fall with iOS 19, macOS 16 and other software updates at the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, its annual pilgrimage for developers scheduled to run from June 9 through June 13 at the Apple Park headquarters in California.
One of the biggest changes in iOS 19, iPadOS 19 and macOS 16, according to multiple rumors, could be a significant redesign of the user interfaces across the iPhone, iPad and Mac featuring some Vision Pro-inspired elements.
The iPhone maker will release the first developer betas of iOS 19 and other updates following a June 9 keynote, with public betas to follow in a few weeks.