An iOS update makes everyone feel like something big is coming. Maybe a tiny surprise, or maybe just that mysterious thrill of change. But iOS 18.5? This one is not just another routine refresh. It brings in features that will make you go, “Wait, how did I live without this?”
Whether you are using an iPhone 13 or have already sold your soul to grab the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this update is going to hit differently. We are diving into the iOS 18.5 release notes, digging through the iOS 18.5 beta experiments, and bringing you the best of the iOS 18.5 features that will straight up change how you use your iPhone.
Satellite Messaging Is Now Available for iPhone 13
Until now, satellite messaging was something only iPhone 14 and newer models could brag about. iPhone 13 users were just watching from the sidelines. That ends now.
With the iOS 18.5 update, iPhone 13 users can finally use carrier-supported satellite messaging services. That means if you are on a carrier like T-Mobile, which offers satellite messaging through Starlink, you can now send messages even when you are miles away from any cell tower.
To be clear, this is not the full Emergency SOS via satellite. That is still exclusive to iPhone 14 and up. But this update means you can now text from the mountains, the forest, or even from that one dead zone corner in your house.
This alone makes the iOS 18.5 release a must-have for travelers, hikers, and anyone tired of losing signal during important moments.
Also Read, Top iOS Mobile App Solutions for Building High-Quality Apps
A New Pride Wallpaper That Looks Amazing
Apple just dropped the Pride Harmony wallpaper. This dynamic background responds to your gestures. Swipe around, and it flows with you.
This addition celebrates diversity and supports the LGBTQ+ community, but it also just looks stunning. Whether you are part of the community or just want your phone to reflect something meaningful and artistic, this wallpaper adds that quiet beauty to your lock screen.
Screen Time Gets Smarter for Parents
With iOS 18.5, every time the Screen Time passcode is entered on a child’s device, you get a notification. This means if your little genius tries to sneak more time on YouTube or gaming apps late at night, you are going to know about it.
This update makes it easier to keep kids in check without turning into a full-time tech detective. It is low-key genius.
Buy with iPhone on Third-Party Devices
You are watching Apple TV on a smart device that is not made by Apple. You want to buy a movie or a show. In the past, this process was annoying. Remote navigation, clunky logins, forgotten passwords—it was all a mess.
Now with the iOS 18.5 update, you can complete the purchase on your iPhone instantly. A little prompt pops up, you tap to approve, and it is done.
This feature may sound small, but it makes streaming on third-party devices feel a whole lot smoother. And let’s be honest, anything that saves time and taps is a win.
Also Read, iPhone 17 Pro Max Camera and Performance Specs Revealed
Mail App Gets Some Long Overdue Love
The Mail app on iOS has always been fine. Just fine. But now, it is getting a few real improvements.
With iOS 18.5, you will now see:
- An “All Mail” view as a dedicated tab. No more hunting for that one message from three weeks ago.
- An easy option to hide contact photos in the inbox if you prefer a cleaner look.
Apple Vision Pro Bug Is Finally Fixed
For the few, the proud, the Apple Vision Pro owners, there was an issue where the Vision Pro app would sometimes load to a completely black screen. With the iOS 18.5 release, that bug is officially gone.
This will not matter to most iPhone users, but for the ones who dropped serious cash on Apple’s futuristic headset, this fix is a very welcome one.
Major Security Enhancements
This is not the sexy kind of feature that gets headlines, but it is the kind you will silently thank Apple for later. The iOS 18.5 update delivers a long list of security patches, fixing vulnerabilities across:
- Bluetooth
- WebKit (that powers Safari)
- And even the new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e
Warranty and AppleCare Info, Now Easy to Find
Previously, checking your AppleCare or warranty coverage was a chore. You had to go through multiple taps and even check a separate website.
Now with iOS 18.5, you can view warranty and AppleCare+ details directly in your Settings. Just open Settings, go to “General,” tap “About,” and boom—everything you need is right there.
Mail App Layout Tweaks
With the iOS 18.5 beta testing and the final rollout, the “All Mail” view now appears as a fifth main tab at the bottom of the screen. Before, it was sort of hidden in filters. Now, it is right there—loud, proud, and useful.
If you manage multiple inboxes or rely on email for work, this simple visibility change will make a daily difference.
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General Performance Improvements
Every iOS update claims to improve performance. Sometimes you notice it. Sometimes you do not.
But in iOS 18.5, users are reporting real changes. Apps are opening faster. Face ID unlocks more smoothly. There is less lag switching between apps. And even battery life feels just a bit more stable.
How to Install the iOS 18.5 Update
If you are ready to update, just follow these quick steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Download and install iOS 18.5
Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi. And give yourself a little time—it is a meaty update.
Final Thoughts
This update is a bundle of real-world improvements that will help you stay connected, be more productive, and enjoy using your iPhone just a little bit more every single day.
If you find yourself smiling at a wallpaper or appreciating how your emails are sorted just right, know that iOS 18.5 did that.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data, early user reports, and the official iOS 18.5 release notes from Apple. We are not affiliated with Apple Inc., nor do we claim insider access to unreleased features.
Sources:
- Apple’s Official iOS 18.5 Release Notes
- MacRumors – iOS 18.5 Features Roundup
- The Verge – Apple iOS Update Coverage