Apple has just unleashed the iOS 18.5 beta 4. With the iOS 19 unveiling not too far away, the tech giant is focused on refining the operating system, building upon the foundation laid by iOS 18. While not as groundbreaking as the major update, iOS 18.5 still brings several notable features, performance tweaks, and subtle design changes. On this very note, here’s a roundup of everything discovered in iOS 18.5 so far.
1. Remove Contact Photos from the Mail App
With the introduction of iOS 18.5, you can get rid of the Contact Photos right from the Mail app. Simply, hit the menu button at the top right and deselect the Contact Photos option in the menu.
2. Easier Access to AppleCare Information
Note that iOS 18.5 has made it a bit easier to access AppleCare information. Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone/iPad > General > AppleCare & Warranty to view the detailed info.
3. Apple Intelligence Prep
While Apple’s much-hyped AI suite—Apple Intelligence—is expected to debut in iOS 18, version 18.5 includes under-the-hood groundwork to support its rollout. Code references and system hooks suggest deep integration with Siri, Spotlight, and Messages, hinting that Apple is preparing to activate its AI features server-side once they’re ready.
4. Redesigned Podcasts Widget
The Podcasts app has received a new Home Screen widget design. The revamped widget now displays the currently playing episode more prominently, with artwork and playback controls that make it easier to resume or discover content without opening the app.
5. New Battery Health Section for More Devices
Following earlier releases, iOS 18.5 expands the Battery Health section to more devices, including older iPhone models like the iPhone 14 and 13 series. The section now shows battery cycle count, maximum capacity, and peak performance capability, even on models that didn’t previously display this level of detail.
6. More Control Over Apple News+ Offline Content
Users with an Apple News+ subscription can now manage offline downloads with more precision. iOS 18.5 adds a toggle to allow or restrict automatic downloads over cellular, and a new option to manually clear downloaded content.
7. Sports Integration Gets Smarter
Apple continues to improve its sports offerings in the News and TV apps. iOS 18.5 adds live activity support for My Sports, offering real-time updates on scores and stats on the Lock Screen and in Dynamic Island for supported devices.
8. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements
As with any mid-cycle update, iOS 18.5 brings bug fixes and system performance improvements, including:
- Enhanced Bluetooth stability for wireless accessories.
- Fixes for CarPlay freezing during certain navigation sessions.
- Optimized Face ID detection in low-light conditions.
9. Hints of New Accessibility Tools
iOS 18.5 beta builds reference a new Eye Tracking accessibility feature, likely coming later this year. While not active yet, this tool appears to allow users to control their iPhone with just eye movement—an exciting possibility for users with mobility limitations.
10. Refined Design and UI Tweaks
Last but not least, there are minor cosmetic changes, such as:
- Adjusted spacing in Control Center.
- A cleaner UI for the Apple ID section in Settings.
- Updated animations when switching between apps.
Small But Notable Update…
And that wraps up this latest roundup about the iOS 18.5. Though iOS 18.5 may not deliver major overhauls, it’s a pretty solid step forward with enhancements that improve usability, customization, and system intelligence. As always, Apple may roll out additional features server-side after the official release, especially related to Apple Intelligence.
