After the much-awaited release of iOS 18.4, Apple wasted no time rolling out the first beta of iOS 18.5 for developers. This prompt release indicates that Apple is keen to wind down the iOS 18 cycle to make way for iOS 19, which is just two months away.
While the iOS 18.5 beta update does not introduce groundbreaking features like iOS 18.4, it does feature a few refinements that improve user experience. Let’s explore what Apple packs in the iOS 18.5 first developer beta.
1. Mail app enhancements
The previous versions of iOS 18, in combination with Apple Intelligence, added various new features to the Mail app, and the first developer beta of iOS 18.5 improves the user experience further. It makes it easier to customize the look of the Mail app by making the following two options more accessible.
- Show Contact Photos: A new toggle for Contact Photos can now be accessed directly from the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of the Mail app. This is a welcome addition if you prefer the old feel of the Mail app from iOS 17 or previous versions.
- Group By Sender: You can now disable the Group By Sender option from the same interface.
Earlier, these settings were buried within the Mail app section in the Settings app, making them less accessible. With iOS 18.5, users can adjust these settings directly within the Mail app without digging deep into the Settings app. These enhancements make the Mail app feel more like its pre-iOS 18 version for those who prefer a more traditional layout.
2. AppleCare and warranty updates
Besides the Mail app refinement, iOS 18.5 also makes it a bit easier for users to access AppleCare information within the Settings app. Here’s how:
- If you head to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty, you’ll now see a banner featuring the AppleCare logo, plus an option to learn more about coverage.
- If you tap on your device in the Apple Account section, you’ll see a new AppleCare option along with the already available Find My and iCloud backup options. Tapping this new option will reveal your AppleCare and warranty status and allow you to manage your plans.
While it’s a small addition, it does simplify the process of checking AppleCare status and making necessary adjustments.
3. Photos app enhancements
If you followed the iOS 18.4 beta updates cycle, you would know that a Recover All button and a trash icon to delete all photos in the Recently Deleted folder of the Photos app were introduced in iOS 18.4 beta 2 through beta 4. However, Apple dropped these buttons in the iOS 18.4 RC and stable release, as many users reported app crashing issues whenever they hit these buttons.
The return of these buttons in iOS 18.5 beta 1 suggests that Apple has resolved the said issues. We’ll all have to wait to see whether they make it to the iOS 18.5 stable release this time.
4. Messages via Satellite feature expansion
While there’s no official word yet, some iPhone users have reported that Messages via Satellite now appear available in the UK after updating to iOS 18.5 Beta. If you’re in the UK, you can check if the feature is available by heading to the Messages app. If it is, let us know via comments.
iOS 18.5 expected release date
If we look at the past three years, Apple’s x.5 updates for the iPhone have been released in May, typically in the second week. So, iOS 18.5 is also likely to be publicly available in May 2025.
Signing off…
Since this is just the first 18.5 beta, Apple may introduce new refinements in the next beta releases. If developers and testers uncover performance, stability, and UI issues over the coming weeks, the refinement might also drop in the stable release.
While iOS 18.5’s public release could happen in May, you can install the iOS 18.5 beta on your iPhone today if you don’t want to wait to experience the added refinement. Mind you, beta versions are often filled with bugs and are unstable, so you may run into issues on your device.
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