Download iOS 18.5 and other updates Apple released today to get new features on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch and Vision Pro..
Happy Apple updates day, everyone! On Monday, May 12, 2025, Apple unleashed the latest software updates: iOS 18.5, iPadOS 18.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, watchOS 11.5, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5. To install over-the-air updates, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your device and follow the onscreen instructions.
iOS 18.5 brings just a few new features, which isn’t surprising given Apple will soon restart its beta cycle and preview the biggest new iOS 19 features.
What’s new in iOS 18.5 and other Apple updates
iOS 18.5 brings several new features and improvements, plus the usual bug fixes. For example, the update extends the “Buy with iPhone” feature from the TV app on the Apple TV to the TV app on third-party devices like smart TVs, streaming boxes and gaming consoles. There’s also a new Pride wallpaper for the iPhone and iPad in iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, plus a new Pride watch face for the Apple Watch (requires watchOS 11.5). For the full list of changes, read Apple’s release notes for iOS 18.5.
If you’re still rocking an iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max, you’ll be happy to know that iOS 18.5 lets you use carrier-provided satellite features (like T-Mobile’s Starlink-based satellite connectivity) whenever you find yourself in an area without network coverage. Don’t confuse this with direct satellite connectivity on the iPhone 14 and later via the Apple-Globalstar deal for native features such as Emergency SOS via satellite.
The built-in Mail app makes it easier to get to all your emails when using mailbox categories by partially showing the All Mail option. You can also swipe across categories at the top to get to this view.
Additionally, you can now toggle contact photos in your inbox and message grouping by sender by tapping the three-dotted menu. These options were previously available in the Mail section of the Settings app, but now you can also adjust them without leaving the app.
Parents will appreciate a fix for the Screen Time parental controls on the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Before, if a child figured out the Screen Time password on their device, they could remove limits on app usage and other restrictions without your knowledge. In iOS 18.5, you as the family organizer will receive a notification on your iPhone every time your kid enters a Screen Time passcode on their device.
Release notes and security fixes
For the full list of changes in today’s updates, be sure to read Apple’s official release notes for iOS and iPadOS 18.5, watchOS 11.5, macOS Sequoia 15.5, tvOS 18.5 and visionOS 2.5. For the list of security patches and critical bug fixes included in these updates, visit Apple’s support page.
Today’s updates arrive ahead of Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where the company will preview the latest advancements coming to its platforms with iOS 19 and more this fall.