Pretty much on the expected lines, Apple has just rolled out the iOS 18.5 Release Candidate (RC) to developers and public beta testers. The RC provides a near-final look at what’s coming in the next iOS update. As we gear up for the public release expected next week, the RC build gives us the complete picture — including some features that weren’t available in earlier betas.
Here’s a breakdown of the top new features and improvements introduced in iOS 18.5 RC.
1. Pride Harmony Wallpaper
To celebrate Pride Month, Apple has introduced a new Pride Harmony wallpaper. It’s designed to complement the 2025 Pride Edition Apple Watch band and adds a vibrant, dynamic flair to your iPhone’s lock and home screens.
- You can bring this cool wallpaper into action by going to the Settings app > Wallpaper > Add New Wallpaper.
- Scroll down to the Pride section to choose the wallpaper and fine-tune it to your heart’s liking.
2. Parental Alerts for Screen Time Bypasses
Parents now have an extra tool to monitor device usage. iOS 18.5 RC includes a feature that sends a notification when a child successfully bypasses the Screen Time passcode. This helps ensure that parental controls stay effective and that parents remain informed about attempts to override set limits.
3. “Buy with iPhone” on Third-Party Devices
A subtle but useful addition — users can now purchase content through the Apple TV app using their iPhone, even when the app is running on a third-party device like a smart TV or streaming stick. It simplifies the purchase flow and enhances the multi-device experience.
4. Expanded Satellite Support for iPhone 13
iPhone 13 models are now officially included in Apple’s satellite services rollout, assuming support from your carrier. This means iPhone 13 users will gain access to critical satellite-based features such as Emergency SOS via satellite, bringing parity with newer iPhone models.
5. Fix for Vision Pro Black Screen Bug
If you’ve been using the Apple Vision Pro alongside your iPhone, you may have noticed a black screen issue with its companion app. iOS 18.5 RC fixes this glitch, improving app reliability for Apple’s spatial computing platform.
6. Option to Remove Contact Photos in Mail App
Some users prefer a cleaner inbox, and Apple has listened. iOS 18.5 now lets you remove contact photos from message previews – right from the Mail app. This makes it easier to focus on the subject and content of emails without distractions.
- To get it done, hit the triple-dot icon at the top-right and deselect Show Contact Photos.
7. Quick Access to AppleCare Coverage
iOS 18.5 introduces an easy way to view your AppleCare status directly from the Settings app.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone > General > AppleCare & Warranty, and you’ll see AppleCare information clearly listed — including coverage status and expiration dates.
- This eliminates the need to visit Apple’s website or support app.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! The iOS 18.5 Release Candidate brings a thoughtful mix of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and bug fixes. With additions like the Pride wallpaper, expanded satellite support, and practical enhancements to parental controls and system info, it’s shaping up to be a polished update for all users.
If Apple doesn’t uncover any major issues in this RC, the full public rollout of iOS 18.5 — along with iPadOS 18.5 and macOS Sequoia 15.5 — is expected to happen next week.
